Amid the US tariff Pressure on India and other countries to halt the purchases of Russian Oil, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that its relationship is steadily and confidently advancing with India. According to state media outlet RT, the Russian Foreign Ministry emphasised that any attempt to obstruct this progress is ‘destined to fail, underscoring the time-tested and resilient nature of India-Russia relations.
Russia praised India’s firm stand despite US Tariff pressure
In addition, the Russian Foreign Ministry praised India’s firm stand against US tariffs pressure to halt purchasing oil from Russia. The Ministry highlighted that India’s long-standing friendship with Russia represents strategic autonomy in international affairs by stating:,”Frankly, anything else would be hard to imagine” as reported by RT. Not only this, but it also stated that India and Russia’s partnership is based on the highest value of sovereignty and the primacy of national interests.
Notably, US tariffs have come into effect since August 27, affecting goods exported to the US. Certainly, US tariffs would affect $ 48.2 billion worth of export merchandise to America. The US has already implemented a 25% reciprocal tariff on Indian imports on August 7. In addition, a 25% extra duty has come into effect from August 27, as a punishment to India, since the country is importing Russian oil. However, on September 5, Trump called India-US ties a very special relationship and reaffirmed that he and PM Modi would always be friends. But he expressed disappointment with what PM Modi is doing at the moment, signalling towards India’s Russian oil imports. Responding to Trump’s statement, PM Modi said that he fully reciprocates his sentiments, as Prime Minister Modi said that India and the US have a very positive global strategic partnership.