Russian president calls for respect in global dialogue amid tariff war

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday criticised former US president Donald Trump for using tariffs as a tool against India and China, warning that such actions undermine global political dialogue. Speaking at a press briefing, Putin highlighted that both nations, with their vast populations and strong economies, have endured historical struggles with colonialism and repeated sovereignty violations.

“When somebody [Donald Trump] tells you that they are going to punish you… you have to think about the leadership of those big countries,” Putin remarked. “If one of them shows weakness, his political career will be over, which influences his behaviour.”

India and China in focus

Putin stressed that India and China have their “own domestic political mechanism and laws” and should not be subjected to external coercion. He drew parallels with their past experiences of colonial domination, saying that attempts to impose punitive tariffs ignore historical sensitivities.

The Russian president also emphasised the need to move beyond threats. “Just as the colonial era is over, they [the US] cannot use this term when speaking with partners. But ultimately, things will be sorted out, and we will have normal political dialogue again,” he said.

Strategic optics at SCO summit

The remarks came after the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, where leaders from India, China, and Russia projected unity that unsettled Washington.

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Russia as a “special and privileged partner.”
  • Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that “the world’s two most populous countries need to be friends.”
  • Putin addressed PM Modi as “dear friend” and was seen escorting him in his armoured Aurus limousine.

The images of Modi, Xi, and Putin together suggested deepening chemistry despite earlier India-China tensions. Analysts described the display as a “public relations coup” for Beijing and Moscow, coming soon after Trump’s tariff hikes on Indian goods.

US pressure and pushback

The US has repeatedly sought to counter closer ties between India, China, and Russia. On August 15, Trump met Putin in Alaska, attempting to pull Moscow away from Beijing. Just weeks later, Modi was welcomed in Beijing and stood alongside Putin and Xi at the SCO summit, signalling strategic convergence.

Trump’s tariff escalation drew sharp responses:

  • PM Modi said India’s 7.8% GDP growth was achieved despite “challenges created by economic selfishness,” a remark widely seen as a veiled dig at Trump.
  • Chinese ambassador Xu Feihong wrote on X: “Give the bully an inch, he will take a mile,” supporting countries like India and Brazil hit by US trade restrictions.
  • Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi also warned that tariffs used as weapons violate WTO rules and undermine international norms.

Conclusion

Putin’s sharp criticism of Trump underscores the geopolitical realignment taking shape in Eurasia, with India, China, and Russia presenting a united front amid Western trade pressures. While the Kremlin hopes for a “normal political dialogue” with Washington, the optics of growing solidarity among Asian powers suggest that tariff-driven coercion may further push them closer together.