Is the US Losing India? Kremlin’s Support Raises Questions

Is the United States losing India as a key partner? The Kremlin’s public support for India amid U.S. threats raises serious questions. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov defended India’s right to choose its own trade partners, stating that “sovereign countries” have this right and calling U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats “illegal” and “unacceptable.” Trump had used a social media post to accuse India of profiting from the resale of Russian oil and threatened to “substantially” raise tariffs on Indian goods, a threat that follows a 25% tariff on August 1.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has also pushed back with a powerful statement, declaring that the “targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable.” The government reiterated its resolve to protect its “national interests and economic security.”
This diplomatic fallout highlights a growing rift over global energy trade and geopolitical alignments. Russia is positioning itself as a defender of national sovereignty, while the U.S. is using economic pressure to align countries with its foreign policy goals. The situation pits two of the world’s largest economies against each other, with Moscow siding with New Delhi.
The confrontation highlights the challenges of navigating a complex global environment where economic interests and geopolitical allegiances are increasingly intertwined. India’s decision to maintain its trade ties with Russia is a strategic move to ensure its energy security and economic stability. The Kremlin’s public support is a significant development, as it not only strengthens the Russia-India relationship but also challenges the U.S.’s dominance in global trade politics.