‘India Is Not A British Colony’: Putin Slams Trump’s Tariff Pressure, Exposes US Hypocrisy Over Reliance On Russian Uranium

Russian President Vladimir Putin has emphasised that India-Russia cooperation is not aimed against any country, including the United States, even as he criticised Washington for what he described as contradictory behaviour on energy trade. In an interview with AajTak and India Today at the Kremlin ahead of his India visit, Putin responded to questions on how New Delhi and Moscow should navigate US President Donald Trump’s tariff-driven policies, which have impacted India as well.

Putin pointed out that despite the US publicly urging India to cut energy imports from Russia, America itself continues to buy uranium from Moscow, a crucial component for fuelling nuclear reactors. “The US keeps purchasing uranium from Russia while pressuring India to stop buying Russian energy. This is a fact,” he said, calling it an example of “hypocrisy” in Washington’s approach.

‘India-Russia Cooperation Not Aimed Against Anyone’

Speaking about Trump’s economic decisions, Putin said the US President operates based on the advice of his team. “He pursues his own policy, and he has advisors. His decisions aren’t made out of thin air. They believe additional duties ultimately benefit the US economy. He is acting in good faith, I presume,” he remarked.

Asked how Trump might respond to joint programmes like Make in India, Make With Russia, Putin stressed that India-Russia cooperation is not directed at any third country. “Neither I nor Prime Minister Modi have ever approached our collaboration to work against someone. Despite certain external pressures, we act to protect our interests, India’s and Russia’s. We harm no one, and leaders of other countries should recognise this,” he said.

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Putin Declines To Judge Trump

When asked about Trump’s remark that India’s purchase of Russian oil was “funding the war,” Putin refused to give a personal assessment of the US President. “I never give character evaluations of my colleagues. These assessments should be made by citizens who vote for their leader,” he noted. 

Putin also addressed India’s rising global stature and the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “India is a major global player, not a British colony. It cannot be treated the way it was 77 years ago,” he said, emphasising the rapid geopolitical shifts underway worldwide.

He praised PM Modi for setting “challenging tasks” for himself and the nation, and highlighted the strategic importance of the Make in India initiative for India’s long-term growth and technological progress.

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