Russia responds to Trump's tariff threats: Sovereign countries can choose their trading partners

After US President Donald Trump threatened to impose higher tariffs on India for purchasing Russian crude oil, Russia's spokesperson, in his statement on Tuesday, called such a warning "illegal" against Moscow.

Dmitry Peskov told reporters, "trying to force countries to stop trading with Russia is illegal." He stated that all countries have the right to choose their trading partners, and US should not make such threats. Peskov even added that these kind of pressures against Russia's trading partners will be interpreted as "threats". 

While talking to reporters, the Kremlin spokesperson said, "We hear many statements that are in fact threats, attempts to force countries to cut trade relations with Russia. We do not consider such statements to be legal." 

Adding, "We believe that sovereign countries should have and do have the right to choose their own trading partners, partners for trade and economic cooperation, and to choose for themselves the forms of trade and economic cooperation that are in the best interests of a particular country." 

On Monday, Donald Trump issued another warning to India of "revised tariffs" if it does not stop purchasing Russian oil and military equipment. The US President took to his Truth Social account, saying, "India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian oil, they are then, for much of the oil purchased, selling it in the open market for big profits. They don't care how many people in Ukraine are killed by the Russian war machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to USA." 

Reacting to this warning, the Indian Government also stated its strong stance, calling out USA and EU for targeting New Delhi. In its official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, "The targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security." 

India is hit by 25% tariffs on its goods imported to the US, under Trump's revised tariffs order. Trump had called India's tariffs "the highest in the world."