Moscow: Russia has issued a pointed warning to the United States, cautioning against attempts to pressure India and China. Speaking to the media after the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized US President Donald Trump’s policies, accusing Washington of trying to weaken two of Asia’s most influential powers.
Putin described India and China as vital partners of Russia and underscored that the “authoritarian language” employed by the US toward Asian nations is unacceptable. “The era of occupation is over,” Putin remarked, highlighting that attempts to intimidate sovereign countries will not go unnoticed.
“The US is seeking to control India and China through economic pressure,” Putin said, adding that Trump’s measures are aimed at undermining the leadership of countries that are Russia’s partners. He emphasized the strength of these nations, noting India’s 1.5 billion population and China’s robust economy. “They have their own systems and laws. When someone threatens you, remember how the leadership of these great countries can respond,” Putin explained.
The Russian president also contextualized the issue historically. Both India and China endured periods of colonial subjugation, and their political decisions today are deeply influenced by this history. “If weakness is shown, the political future may be jeopardized, and it will affect their actions,” Putin stated. He stressed that the United States must recognize that the colonial era has ended and that partner nations cannot be treated with coercion.
Putin’s comments come amid ongoing tensions over Trump’s warnings of additional measures against India, particularly over New Delhi’s purchase of Russian crude oil. Russia’s firm response signals its commitment to defending the interests of its Asian partners and asserts the sovereignty of India and China on the global stage.
The SCO summit provided a backdrop for these remarks, underscoring the growing cooperation among Asian powers and their willingness to resist external pressure. Putin concluded on a cautiously optimistic note, expressing hope that diplomatic understanding would prevail, but leaving no doubt about Russia’s stance on defending its allies.