He asserted that the "colonial era is over" and that such nations cannot be humiliated or strong-armed. (Image: BBC)
Russian President Vladimir Putin sternly warned the United States Thursday in a powerful speech about its efforts to persuade China and India into cutting energy links with Moscow. He argued that such coercive tactics are not only disrespectful but could also backfire on the global economy. The remarks made by the Russian leader at an expert gathering coincide with a growing trade disagreement and represent a major uptick in the verbal spat between the world's superpowers.
President Putin cautioned that the U.S. strategy of imposing higher tariffs on Russia's trade partners would have negative global consequences. He suggested that such measures would ultimately drive up international prices. This inflationary pressure, he warned, could then force the U.S. Federal Reserve to maintain high interest rates for a prolonged period. According to this research, the U.S. moves could lead to broader economic instability that would impact consumers and markets around the world, rather than merely being a bilateral issue.
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The Russian leader framed the issue as a matter of national dignity for the two Asian giants. He stated unequivocally that "India and China will not allow to humiliate themselves." Focusing specifically on India, Putin expressed confidence in both the people and the leadership. He asserted that if India were to refuse Russian energy supplies under foreign pressure, it would suffer tangible losses. He believes the Indian public would "never allow any humiliation in front of anyone," showing his view that national pride is a powerful factor in international relations.
In a move highlighting what he sees as Western hypocrisy, President Putin invoked America's own ongoing trade with Russia. He pointed out that Washington continues to buy enriched uranium from Moscow even as it calls on other nations, like India, to stop purchasing Russian energy products. By portraying American policy as contradictory and self-serving, rather than grounded in a single ideal, this analogy seeks to discredit the moral standing of the country's stance.
Putin's remarks are a direct response to a series of attacks from U.S. officials targeting India. This includes President Donald Trump and his advisers, who have repeatedly criticized New Delhi for its purchase of Russian oil. In August, the United States increased the total levy on certain Indian exports to 50% by imposing an extra 25% tariff on India, further escalating the situation. This led to a tense trading environment, which prepared the ground for Putin's forceful response.
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This view has also been stated by Putin in other speeches, indicating a consistent strategic stance.Last month, following the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, he had similarly cautioned the U.S., stating, "You cannot talk to India or China in that way." He declared that "the colonial era is now over," signaling a firm belief that the global power dynamic has irreversibly shifted and that older methods of coercion are no longer effective against major, sovereign nations like India and China.
Disclaimer: This article is based on statements made by Russian President Vladimir Putin and inputs from the news agency reports for information purposes only.
