Recent reports indicate that Russia has expressed its appreciation for India's steadfast commitment to maintaining strong ties with Moscow, despite increasing pressure from the United States through tariffs and other measures. This endorsement comes at a time when India's relationship with the U.S. has been strained due to trade disagreements and Washington's disapproval of New Delhi's continued engagement with Moscow.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, following the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting, commended India for upholding the principles of free trade, even in the face of potential economic repercussions from the U.S.. Lavrov highlighted that the U.S. has imposed tariffs on goods from several of its trading partners, including India, a significant consumer of Russian goods, particularly hydrocarbon raw materials. He stated that Russia values India's resilience and dedication to free trade principles, which he contrasted with what he sees as a departure from these principles by the U.S..
These remarks follow the implementation of tariffs on Indian goods by the U.S., which included penalties linked to India's ongoing purchases of Russian oil. Amidst these developments, Russian President Vladimir Putin cautioned against any nation's attempt to dominate global politics or security, while acknowledging the rise of economic powers like India and China. Putin emphasized the importance of equal rights and balance in international relations from an international law perspective.
Furthermore, Russian Deputy Chief of Mission Roman Babushkin has voiced Russia's support for India, criticizing the U.S.'s tariff policy and defending India's ties with Moscow. Babushkin dismissed U.S. pressure on India regarding Russian crude oil purchases as "unjustified" and conveyed confidence that energy cooperation between the two nations would persist. He also suggested that the Russian market is open to Indian exports if they face barriers in the U.S. market.
The Kremlin has also asserted that attempts to coerce countries into ceasing trade with Russia are illegal, underscoring the right of nations to choose their trade partners. This stance reflects Russia's commitment to fostering a multipolar system of international relations, with increased roles for organizations like the SCO, BRICS, and G20. Russia's support for India highlights the strengthening of their strategic partnership, built on mutual trust and cooperation across various sectors, including energy and defense.
