By Emeka Blast 
Donald Trump Dismisses India-Russia Relations: “Doesn’t Matter to Me”
Former U.S. President Donald Trump ignited a diplomatic firestorm on Thursday, July 31, 2025, with a scathing remark dismissing India’s deepening ties with Russia, stating, “I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care.” The comment, posted on Truth Social at 2:17 p.m. WAT, came hours after Trump announced a U.S.-Pakistan oil trade deal and a tariff “buy down” offer to South Korea, escalating his aggressive trade policy. The statement has drawn sharp criticism for its inflammatory tone and raised concerns about worsening U.S.-India relations as India faces a 25% U.S. tariff starting August 1.
Trump’s remarks target India’s growing economic and military alignment with Russia, particularly its purchase of discounted Russian oil, which surged to $65.98 billion in 2024, making Russia India’s top oil supplier. The comment also references India’s refusal to join Western sanctions against Moscow over the Ukraine conflict and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visits to Russia, including a July 2025 meeting with President Vladimir Putin to strengthen defense and energy ties. Trump’s mention of “dead economies” appears to mock India’s 7% GDP growth forecast for 2025, which outpaces most global economies, and Russia’s war-strained economy, projected to grow at 2.8% despite sanctions.
The outburst follows Trump’s July 30 imposition of a 25% tariff on Indian exports, citing India’s “obnoxious” trade barriers and its role as a “Western ally” buying Russian energy. India’s Commerce Ministry responded by vowing to negotiate a “fair deal,” while External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar defended India’s energy strategy, stating, “Our oil purchases stabilize global markets.” The tariff, combined with additional 10% penalties for India’s Russian ties, threatens $83 billion in Indian exports to the U.S., including textiles, pharmaceuticals, and IT services. Trump’s latest comment has further strained ties, with Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi tweeting, “Trump’s insult shows Modi’s foreign policy has failed India.”
Social media reactions on X were swift and polarized. @TimesAlgebraIND posted, “Trump’s attack on India-Russia ties is reckless. India’s energy security isn’t his business!” while @BuzzPatriot supported Trump, saying, “He’s calling out India’s double game with Russia. Time to choose sides!” Indian analysts, like C. Raja Mohan, warned that Trump’s rhetoric risks pushing India closer to Russia and China, noting India’s recent $1.2 billion defense deal with Moscow for S-400 systems. Others, like @NaijaGist, quipped, “Trump says India and Russia can sink together. Meanwhile, he’s cutting oil deals with Pakistan!”
The White House clarified that Trump’s statement reflects his focus on reducing the U.S. trade deficit, which hit $971 billion in 2024, with India contributing a $43 billion surplus. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, fresh from securing the Pakistan deal, urged calm, stating, “Our goal is fair trade, not confrontation.” However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned the U.S. ambassador to protest, calling the remark “undiplomatic and unwarranted.” The U.S.-India Business Council warned that deteriorating ties could jeopardize $200 billion in bilateral trade and U.S. investments in India’s tech and defense sectors.
The controversy coincides with Trump’s broader trade offensive, including a 90% tariff on Brazil and tariff talks with South Korea, Japan, and the EU. Indian officials are scrambling to secure an exemption before the August 1 deadline, with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal scheduled to meet U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai next week. Meanwhile, India’s opposition Congress Party demanded a parliamentary debate, accusing Modi of “mishandling” U.S. relations.
