Russia has condemned the Trump tariff threat to India. It called the US pressure ‘illegal’ and an attack on sovereign trade rights.
The sharp reaction came a day after US President Donald Trump warned of higher tariffs on Indian goods. He accused India of profiting from Russian oil despite the Ukraine war.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov spoke to reporters on Tuesday. He said, “Trying to force countries to stop trading with Russia is illegal.”
Dmitry Peskov further added that such threats go against international norms.
Peskov asserted that every country has the right to choose its own trade partners. He also warned that Moscow will view such pressure as a threat.
“We hear many statements that are, in fact, threats,” he said. “We do not consider such statements to be legal.”
Trump’s fresh warning came on Monday night. He claimed India buys large amounts of Russian oil and sells it for profit.
“They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed,” he noted in a post. He added, “I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA.”
India responded with a strong official statement. The Ministry of External Affairs said the targeting of India was ‘unjustified and unreasonable’. It said India would take all steps to protect its economic interests.
As of August 1, the US has imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods. Trump said the hike came in response to India’s ‘high’ tariffs on American products.
The issue adds to global tension as Trump pushes for a ceasefire in Ukraine.
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