Putin invokes US imports of Russian nuclear fuel, questions India’s tariff treatment

Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 4 sharply questioned Washington’s tariff pressure on New Delhi over energy trade with Moscow, pointing out that the United States itself continues to purchase Russian nuclear fuel.

In an interview with India Today ahead of his two-day visit to India, Putin suggested that the criticism of India’s energy ties with Russia was less about economics and more about geopolitical discomfort with India’s growing influence.

“If the United States has the right to buy our fuel, why shouldn’t India have the same privilege?” Putin said. “Certain actors dislike India’s expanding role in international markets, and they are attempting to limit its influence through artificial barriers.”

Despite US penalty tariffs and Western sanctions triggered by the Ukraine conflict, Putin asserted that energy cooperation with India had remained largely intact. He added that Moscow was willing to discuss trade friction directly with US President Donald Trump, saying: “This question deserves thorough examination, and we are ready to address it — including with President Trump.”

When asked about Trump’s broader tariff-driven strategy, Putin struck a diplomatic note: “He acts in good faith, I presume. He has advisors who believe imposing additional duties benefits the US economy.”

Putin insisted that India-Russia ties are not directed against any third country, framing the strategic partnership as “independent, sovereign and interest-driven.”

“Neither Prime Minister Modi nor I have ever approached our collaboration to work against someone,” he said. “We focus on our interests — not to provoke conflict but to safeguard our legitimate rights. India does the same.”

He also underscored India’s global stature, saying the era in which others dictated terms to New Delhi was over. “India is no longer a British colony; it is a major global power,” Putin said, adding that Prime Minister Modi is “not someone who bows to pressure.”

On trade, the Russian President said more than 90% of bilateral transactions now occur in national currencies — a shift accelerated by sanctions. While acknowledging operational hurdles due to multiple intermediaries, he stressed that “solutions exist and progress is underway.”

Putin also commented on his recent meeting with Trump in Alaska, characterising the former US President’s approach as pragmatic rather than antagonistic. “He consistently speaks about minimizing losses, and I believe he is sincere,” Putin said, adding that both political incentives and economic logic may push Washington toward easing confrontation.

The Russian President and Prime Minister Modi held a private dinner December 4 evening and will meet again December 5 for formal talks — discussions expected to reinforce a partnership increasingly shaped by shifting global power balances rather than old alignments.