Image Credit: https://www.pmindia.gov.in/
Putin Says US Can’t Bulldog India and China with Tariffs
Russian President Vladimir Putin has sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff measures, warning that economic coercion against India and China reflects an outdated mindset.
Putin Warns Against “Colonial Era” Tactics
Speaking at a press conference following the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit and a military parade in Beijing, Putin declared, “You cannot talk to India or China in that way.” He accused Washington of reviving tactics that belonged to the “colonial era,” stressing that such approaches have no place in a multipolar world order. According to him, the U.S. risks isolating itself by attempting to pressure major powers through unilateral sanctions and tariffs.
India’s Role as a Global Power
Putin highlighted India’s growing economic influence, describing it as a “powerful economy” whose global role cannot be ignored. He insisted that India, alongside China, has emerged as an independent center of decision-making and cannot be compelled to act against its interests through tariff threats. He added that despite tensions, dialogue and diplomacy will ultimately prevail.
Strategic Trade Context
Putin’s remarks come against the backdrop of a trade dispute between Washington and New Delhi. In August 2025, the U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on a wide range of Indian exports, linking the move to India’s continued oil trade with Russia. The decision drew criticism in India and strengthened calls for alternative alliances in global trade. Putin’s intervention signals Russia’s readiness to back partners like India against what he described as American “bulldog tactics.”
