NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — India pushed back Friday against President Donald Trump’s comments on its relationship with Russia. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India’s foreign policy decisions are based on its national interests, not on pressure from other countries. Trump had questioned India’s growing ties with Russia during a social media post on Thursday.
He also criticized India’s high trade tariffs and dismissed the value of its economic partnership with Moscow. India responded by calling its ties with Russia “steady and time-tested.” During a routine press briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “Our ties with any country stand on their merit and should not be seen from the prism of a third country.”
Jaiswal noted that India-Russia relations have remained strong over the decades. “We have a steady and time-tested partnership,” he said. His comments make clear that New Delhi will not let outside opinions sway its strategic decisions. India maintains that its partnerships with other nations are driven by its own national goals.
On Thursday, Trump accused India of maintaining unfair trade practices. He also claimed that India’s economic relationship with Russia offered little value. Trump’s statements came in the context of broader criticism against NATO countries and U.S. trade partners. Trump has long accused India of imposing high tariffs on American goods. He has used this point in past campaigns to argue that the U.S. is treated unfairly in global trade.
His recent remarks seemed aimed at pushing India to distance itself from Moscow. But New Delhi appears firm in its stance. India and Russia have enjoyed close ties since the Cold War era. Russia remains a key defense partner for India, supplying fighter jets, tanks, and other military equipment. The two countries also collaborate on space, nuclear energy, and oil trade.
In recent years, India has expanded its foreign relationships, including stronger ties with the United States. However, it has not turned away from Russia, even amid global tensions over the Ukraine war. India has repeatedly called for dialogue and peace while continuing to do business with Moscow. It has also increased imports of Russian oil, taking advantage of discounted rates after Western sanctions.
India’s foreign policy aims to balance strategic autonomy with global cooperation. It is a member of the Quad—a strategic forum with the U.S., Japan, and Australia—while also participating in BRICS, which includes Russia and China. New Delhi often finds itself walking a fine line between East and West. Officials say this approach allows India to protect its economic and security interests in a complex world.
Experts believe India’s stand is consistent with its tradition of non-alignment. “India is unlikely to pick sides unless its core interests are directly affected,” said a foreign policy analyst based in New Delhi. Despite occasional friction, India and the United States continue to strengthen their ties. The two countries have increased defense cooperation, signed several trade deals, and held regular diplomatic dialogues.
Both countries view each other as important allies in the Indo-Pacific region. While Trump’s comments may stir political debate, they are not expected to change India’s policy toward Russia. For now, New Delhi appears committed to maintaining its long-standing ties with Moscow while also growing its relationship with Washington.
