Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused the United States of applying double standards in its trade policies, following the recent tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Indian goods in response to New Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil.
In remarks made during an interview with India Today, Putin questioned Washington’s justification for penalizing India while the United States continues to import nuclear fuel from Russia, including uranium.
He asked why India should not be afforded the same freedom to secure its energy needs, adding that Moscow is prepared to discuss the matter directly with Trump, reports dw.com
Trump has argued that India’s continued purchase of Russian oil indirectly supports Moscow’s war in Ukraine, a position that led his administration to levy an additional 25 percent tariff on several categories of Indian products entering the U.S. market.
Putin rejected this claim, emphasizing that Russia and India built strong and reliable energy cooperation long before the Ukraine conflict.
He stressed that neither he nor Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ever used bilateral ties to act against any third country, suggesting that the U.S. tariffs may reflect broader political considerations.
Despite global tensions and ongoing hostilities in Ukraine, Putin affirmed that Russia–India cooperation in the energy sector remains stable and unaffected.
The Russian president arrived in New Delhi earlier today for a two-day state visit to attend the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit.
Prime Minister Modi personally received him at Palam Airport, departing from protocol to welcome what he described as a “friend.” The two leaders traveled together to 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, where Modi hosted a private dinner.
During his 30-hour visit, Putin is scheduled to hold high-level talks with Modi, meet business leaders, and take part in a series of official engagements. Both sides are expected to announce significant agreements across defense, nuclear energy, technology, space cooperation, trade and broader strategic partnerships.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday expressed his appreciation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for New Delhi’s continued attention to international efforts aimed at achieving peace in Ukraine.
Putin noted that Russia and India maintain broad strategic cooperation in several fields, including defense, space and artificial intelligence, emphasizing Moscow’s intention to expand collaboration across these sectors.
His remarks came during a meeting with Modi on the sidelines of his visit to India — his first in four years.
For his part, Modi reiterated India’s stance in support of peace and the need for the world to return to dialogue, in reference to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Putin’s visit comes as India holds discussions with the United States on a potential trade agreement aimed at easing tariffs imposed during the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Those tariffs targeted a range of Indian goods in response to New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian oil.
