Vladimir Putin has strongly criticized the United States' approach to international relations, particularly the use of tariffs and sanctions against countries like India and China. Speaking to the media following the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China, Putin stated that it is unacceptable to speak to India or China in such a manner, emphasizing that the "colonial era is now over".

Putin accused the Trump administration of employing economic pressure to undermine the leadership of these Asian powers. He referred to India and China as "partners" and suggested that the U.S. tariff regime was an attempt to weaken their standing. He highlighted the significant populations and powerful economies of both nations, emphasizing that they possess their own domestic political mechanisms and laws.

Putin cautioned that pressuring nations with deep histories and independent governance could be counterproductive. He noted the historical resilience of both India and China, marked by periods of colonialism and challenges to their sovereignty. He argued that any perceived weakness from their leaders could destabilize their political careers, influencing their behavior on the international stage.

The Russian leader stressed that Washington's rhetoric reflects outdated thinking, urging the U.S. to realize that the "colonial era is now over" and that such terms cannot be used when speaking with partners. He expressed hope that tensions would eventually ease, leading to a return to normal political dialogue.

These comments come against the backdrop of increasing trade and geopolitical tensions. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on India for its continued purchase of Russian oil, while China remains engaged in a trade war with Washington. Recently, the U.S. administration doubled tariffs on India to 50 percent, a move seen as penalizing New Delhi for its oil imports from Russia and as part of Trump's "America First" policy.

Putin's remarks align with a broader narrative promoted by Russia and China, advocating for a multipolar world order where no single power dominates. At the SCO summit, leaders from India, China, and Russia projected an image of unity and strategic convergence, signaling a potential challenge to the U.S.-led international system. Putin reiterated that the "unipolar world" model must end, calling it unfair and outdated, emphasizing that all actors in international relations must be equal.

Analysts suggest that Trump's policies and tariffs have inadvertently pushed India closer to China and Russia. The shared threat of U.S. tariffs has fostered improved relations between New Delhi and Beijing, despite past border disputes. Some analysts believe that China sees the trade war as an opportunity to draw India away from U.S.-led political and military blocs.

Amidst these tensions, India has defended its purchase of Russian oil, labeling U.S. actions as "unjustified". India is the only country facing "secondary tariffs" from the U.S., even though China is also a major buyer of Russian crude. The situation underscores the complex geopolitical landscape and the shifting alliances in the face of U.S. economic policies.