Putin Questions U.S. Tariffs on India: “The US Buys Reactor Fuel From Us – Why Can’t India?”

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday strongly defended India’s growing presence in global markets, saying “certain actors” are uncomfortable with New Delhi’s rising influence and are attempting to impose “artificial obstacles” for political reasons. His remarks came in response to questions about India–Russia energy cooperation during an exclusive interview with India Today, released Thursday night.

Putin addressed concerns about Western sanctions on Moscow and the United States’ decision to impose penalty tariffs on India for purchasing discounted Russian crude. He maintained that the long-standing energy partnership between Russia and India “remains unaffected.”

Highlighting what he called Washington’s “double standards,” the Russian president noted that the United States continues to buy nuclear fuel from Russia despite publicly discouraging other nations from doing the same. “The US still purchases nuclear materials from us for its own nuclear power plants,” Putin emphasized. “This includes uranium used as reactor fuel. So why shouldn’t India have the same right to buy fuel from us as the US does?”

Putin, who arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening for a two-day state visit, added that Russia is ready to discuss these issues directly with U.S. President Donald Trump. “This question deserves thorough examination, and we stand ready for a conversation – including with President Trump,” he said.

When asked how Moscow and New Delhi should respond to Trump’s tariff-heavy trade approach, Putin said: “He has advisors who believe that implementing such tariff policies – the imposition of additional duties on trade partners – ultimately benefits the US economy. I assume he is acting in good faith.”

Responding to Washington’s increasing scrutiny of India–Russia ties, Putin insisted that Moscow’s engagement with New Delhi is driven solely by national interest – not confrontation. “Despite certain external pressures we face, neither Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi nor I have ever approached our collaboration to work against anyone,” he said. “President Trump has his own agenda and goals, while we focus on ours – not against someone, but to protect the interests of Russia and India.”

Calling India “a major global power,” Putin stressed that “India cannot be treated the way it was decades ago.” He added that Prime Minister Modi was not someone who could be easily influenced. “India is no longer a British colony,” he remarked. “Our aim is to defend our legitimate rights. India does the same.”

The two leaders are set to hold formal talks on Friday, following a private dinner hosted by Prime Minister Modi at his official residence on Thursday night.

On trade, Putin noted that more than 90% of India–Russia transactions are now conducted in national currencies – a significant shift away from the U.S. dollar. “Although multiple intermediaries have created some challenges, solutions do exist,” he said.

Speaking about his meeting with Trump in Alaska, Putin said the U.S. president “constantly speaks about his desire to minimize losses,” and expressed confidence that Trump’s intentions are sincere. “Washington has political considerations and economic interests in resolving this conflict,” he said, adding that America is “actively seeking a solution.”

When asked whether Trump could be considered a peacemaker, Putin replied: “I am absolutely certain he sincerely aims for a peaceful resolution.” He also noted that both political motives and economic incentives could drive the United States to end tensions with Russia. “Restoring economic ties between the US and Russia would benefit both nations in many ways,” Putin concluded.