‘Colonial era is over’: Putin tells US it ‘cannot use this tone’ with India, China amid economic pressure

The Russian president alleged that the United States was using tariffs and sanctions to undermine major powers. “Attempting to weaken their leadership, built through difficult histories, is a mistake,” Putin said. “You have countries like India with 1.5 billion people. China, with powerful economies. But they also have their own domestic, political mechanisms and laws,” he added.

The Russian president explained that when major nations like India or China are threatened with punishment, their leaders, cannot afford to appear weak, as doing so could cost them their political careers.

1️⃣🔥🇷🇺 ‘YOU CANNOT TALK TO INDIA OR CHINA LIKE THAT:’ Putin on economic pressure against partners pic.twitter.com/FRvmLG2DIv

— Sputnik India (@Sputnik_India) September 3, 2025

As he went on with his address to the US, Putin also expressed confidence that tensions would ease over time. “Ultimately, things will be sorted out, everything will take its place, and we will see normal political dialogue again,” he said.

Trump and India

In an interview with The Scott Jennings Radio Show on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump said that “India kills the US with tariffs” and repeated his claim that New Delhi had offered Washington “no tariffs,” amid fraying relations between the two countries.

He claimed his decision to impose tariffs had forced countries, including India, to make concessions.

On Truth Social, Trump called US trade with India a “one-sided disaster,” saying Washington imports “massive amounts” from New Delhi while selling “very little” in return.

Modi-Putin meeting in China

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Putin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit on Monday, their first since Washington imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on India over Russian oil purchases.

Sources said Putin personally waited for Modi and offered him a car ride to the venue. The leaders reportedly spent about 45 minutes in conversation inside the vehicle before sitting down with senior officials for a meeting that lasted over an hour.

According to official readouts, the discussions covered cooperation in the economic, financial, and energy sectors.