New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a sharp rebuke to US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, defending India’s economic prowess and dismissing Trump’s claim that India is a “dead economy.”
Speaking at a press conference in Moscow, Putin’s remarks came in response to Trump’s ongoing criticism of India’s trade ties with Russia, particularly its purchase of discounted Russian oil, which has drawn punitive US tariffs. The Russian leader’s staunch support for India underscores the deepening strategic partnership between New Delhi and Moscow, even as Trump’s trade war escalates global tensions.
Putin’s Strong Defence Of India
Addressing reporters after a meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Putin lauded India as an “economic giant,” highlighting its robust growth and global influence. “India is not a dead economy, as some claim, but a dynamic force driving global progress,” he said, directly countering Trump’s remarks made on Truth Social in July. Trump had lashed out at India, accusing it of profiting from Russian oil trade and taking “dead economies down together” with Russia. Putin’s rebuttal emphasised India’s $4.19 trillion economy, which surpassed Japan in 2025 to become the world’s fourth-largest, trailing only the US, China and Germany.
Putin also praised India’s strategic autonomy, noting its balanced approach in global affairs. “India’s economic strength and independent foreign policy make it a vital partner for Russia,” he said, referencing the record $68.7 billion in bilateral trade in FY25, largely driven by oil imports. His remarks were a clear signal of solidarity with New Delhi, which has faced increasing US pressure to curb its energy purchases from Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Trump’s Tariff Tirade
Trump’s criticism stems from his decision to impose a 25% tariff on Indian exports in August 2025, followed by an additional 25% “penalty” tariff set to take effect on September 27, citing India’s oil trade with Russia as indirect funding for the Ukraine war.
On Truth Social, Trump claimed, “India buys massive amounts of Russian oil and sells it on the open market for big profits.” He further argued that India’s actions undermine US efforts to pressure Russia into a ceasefire, a stance echoed by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who called India “recalcitrant” in trade negotiations.
India has firmly rejected these accusations, with Jaishankar defending the country’s energy policy during his Moscow visit. “The US encouraged us to buy Russian oil to stabilise global energy markets,” he said, highlighting the inconsistency in Washington’s stance, as the US itself imported $3.5 billion in goods from Russia in 2024. India’s foreign ministry has called the tariffs “unjustified and unreasonable,” vowing to protect national interests.
A Strategic Partnership Amid Global Tensions
Putin’s remarks come at a critical juncture, as India navigates complex relations with both the US and Russia. The Russian leader announced plans to visit India in December for the 23rd India-Russia Summit, signaling continued efforts to bolster ties. The two nations aim to achieve $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030, with investments in oil, gas, and defence forming the backbone of their partnership. Jaishankar’s visit also addressed issues like the release of Indian citizens fraudulently recruited into the Russian military, underscoring the multifaceted nature of the relationship.
The US tariffs, expected to slash Indian exports by $37 billion, pose a challenge for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, particularly in labour-intensive sectors like textiles and jewellery. Analysts suggest India may counter with retaliatory tariffs or diversify trade with partners like the EU and UK, with whom free trade agreements are in progress. Putin’s vocal support adds a layer of geopolitical backing, positioning Russia as a counterweight to US pressure.
A Global Economic Narrative
Putin’s endorsement of India as an economic giant not only refutes Trump’s narrative but also highlights the shifting dynamics of global power. With India’s GDP growth projected at 6.2% for 2025–26 by Nomura, and its strategic role in forums like BRICS and the SCO, the country is increasingly seen as a pivotal player in the global economy. As Trump’s trade war intensifies, Putin’s remarks serve as a reminder of India’s resilience and its ability to forge independent partnerships in a polarised world.