Russian President Vladimir Putin has cautioned that increased tariffs on India and China could potentially inflate global prices and impede the economic growth of the United States. Putin voiced these concerns on Thursday, criticizing the U.S. for pressuring India and China to curtail their energy collaborations with Russia, suggesting such actions could backfire economically.

Speaking at a forum of Russia experts, Putin stated that imposing higher tariffs on Russia's trade partners could lead to increased global prices, compelling the U.S. Federal Reserve to maintain elevated interest rates, which in turn, could decelerate the U.S. economy. He argued that both India and China would resist being "humiliated" by such pressures.

Putin highlighted India's energy policy, asserting that New Delhi has no reason to succumb to external pressure. He believes that if India were to cease purchasing Russian energy, it would incur substantial losses. He also expressed confidence that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would not take steps that would lead to humiliation.

Furthermore, Putin pointed out what he sees as hypocrisy in the U.S. approach, noting that while the U.S. pressures other nations to reduce Russian energy imports, it continues to rely on Russia for resources like uranium. He stated that Russia is the second-largest supplier of uranium to the American market.