Russia redefining the meaning of friendship said that “our markets are open for India”. Russian diplomat Roman Babushkin addressing a press briefing laid out the red carpet for India to export its products to Russia amid the US Tariffs while criticizing Trump for humiliating its “friends”. The diplomat affirmed that India-Russia relations are expanding and will remain uninterrupted.
One of the most fascinating points of the media interaction by the Russian interaction was his interaction in Hindi, that showcased the mutual respect between the nations. He asserted that the mutual respect has been the cornerstone of India- Russia ties that stretches from energy to defence. “Shuruat karengey… Shree Ganesh karengey!” Babushkin said. He also hinted at the possibility of a revival of the Russia-India-China (RIC) dialogue as a counterweight to Western influence.
Friends Don’t Behave Like That
Russian diplomat Roman Babushkin reminded Donald Trump calling India ‘our friend’ and slamming a tariff of 25 per cent which was later doubled to 50 per cent and said that though Donald Trump called Narendra Modi his friend on several occasions, he imposed a 50% tariff on India.
Highlighting this aspect, Babushkin said, “The sanctions are a tool of unlawful competition. It’s always about double standards. A lack of trust, blackmail and pressure, as well as disrespect of national interests. Friends don’t behave like that.”
Russian Markets Always Open to Indian Goods
In what can be called as a perfect friendship gift, Russia laid out the red carpet for India by quoting that Russian markets are always open to Indian goods. The Russian diplomat further asserted that Russia’s markets were open to Indian exports amid Trump tariffs. “If Indian goods cannot go to the US market, they can head to Russia,” Babushkin said.
Bilateral trade between India and Russia reached a record high of USD 68.7 billion in 2024-25. India exported goods worth USD 4.88 billion. In a sarcastic way the diplomat also asserted that India-Russia have stood the test of time despite external pressures in the past. “If the West criticises you, it means you are doing everything right… We have seen this problem of sanctions for many years now, but our trade is growing. In recent years, our trade has grown by 7 times,” the diplomat further said.
‘US BEHAVING LIKE NEOCOLONIAL POWERS’
“If India refuses Russian oil, it will not lead to equal cooperation with the West in general, because it is not in Western nature, which was clearly demonstrated in recent years. They behave like neocolonial powers that think of their own benefit,” said Roman Babushkin.
Notably, Much of Trump’s anger with India is due to its continued purchase of Russian oil – a revenue source the US says is sustaining Moscow’s war in Ukraine. Russia accounts for around 40% of India’s oil purchases.