Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday spoke about India’s purchase of Russian oil. He said that if the United States has the right to buy Russian fuel, then India should have the same right. He made this remark while responding to recent comments made by Donald Trump on India’s energy ties with Russia.
“Why shouldn’t India have the same privilege?”
In an interview with India Today, Putin pointed out that the US continues to buy Russian uranium for its nuclear power plants. He said, "As for India's purchase of energy resources from Russia, I would like to note and have already mentioned publicly this once, the United States itself still buys nuclear fuel from us for its own nuclear power plants."
He then added, "That is also fuel, Uranium for the reactors operating in the United States. If the US has the right to buy our fuel, why shouldn't India have the same privilege?"
Putin clearly suggested that there was no reason for India to be treated differently when it comes to energy purchases.
Trump’s tariffs on India
Donald Trump had earlier imposed an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian goods over reports of India buying Russian oil. This decision pushed the total tariff level to 50 percent in August. It became the highest tariff the US had applied to any country at that time.
Putin responded to this by saying that Trump was acting based on the advice he was receiving. He stated, “He (Trump) is acting in good faith, I presume.”
Russia rejects similar trade tactics
Putin explained that every country chooses its own economic policy. He said Trump had advisors who believed such tariffs would help the US economy. However, he made it clear that Russia does not follow this approach.
He said, “He pursues his own policy and he has advisors. His decisions aren't made out of thin air. He has advisors who believe in implementing such tariff policies involving the imposition of additional duties on trade partners ultimately benefits the US economy. He is acting in good faith, I presume.”
Putin stressed that Russia has no intention of imposing such trade restrictions. He said, “Our experts believe there are risks involved, but it is the choice of each country and its leadership to decide which economic policy to adopt. We have never engaged in such practices, do not do so now, and have no intention of doing so in the future. Our economy is open. We hope that, in the end, all violations of World Trade Organisation regulations will be rectified.”
His comments highlighted Russia’s position on open trade and its support for India’s energy decisions.