In response to the United States imposing an additional 50% tariff on Indian products, Russia has issued a strong statement. Roman Babushkin, Deputy Chief of the Russian Mission in India, clarified that if any country blocks Indian goods, Russia will welcome them in its markets.

He said—“The US is using its economy as a weapon. A true friend never imposes restrictions, and Russia will never do so. India and Russia have always stood together in difficult times. We will continue supplying crude oil to India.”

Babushkin also informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit to discuss several important issues. However, no date has yet been fixed for Putin’s visit to India.

According to him, India–Russia trade is growing rapidly and is expected to cross $100 billion by 2030. Russia currently stands as the top supplier of fertilizers, oil, and gas to India.

He further added that steps will be taken to reduce trade imbalance between the two countries. “We want to increase imports from India such as machinery, pharmaceuticals, tea, and rice.” He termed the unilateral tariffs imposed by the US as “completely wrong” and said America itself will suffer the consequences.