Sign In
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
New Delhi: Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin launched a scathing attack on US President Donald Trump, alleging that he is responsible for the strengthening ties between India and Russia — a development Rubin warned could harm the United States in the long run.
Rubin said Americans are “flabbergasted” to learn about the renewed closeness between India and Russia. Criticising Trump, he claimed this shift occurred amid Pakistan’s “flattery or bribery.”
Rubin accused Trump of selfishly enabling the growing India–Russia partnership. He said people in the US are stunned by the sudden shift, blaming Trump for creating this “menacing situation,” influenced by what he described as Pakistani bribery. “In fact, it was bribery on the part of the Pakistanis or their backers in Turkey and Qatar towards Donald Trump,” he alleged. Rubin warned that this “disastrous bribe” would create a long-term strategic deficit that could take decades to repair.
He further said it was hypocritical for the US to expect India to cut ties with Russia while continuing its own engagements with Moscow. He justified India’s stance, saying New Delhi must prioritise its national interests.
According to ANI, Rubin noted that Americans fail to understand that Indians elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi to defend Indian interests. He emphasised that India, now the world’s most populous country and soon to become the third-largest economy, needs energy resources. “The US is being hypocritical because we purchase from Russia. We buy goods and materials for which we have no alternative markets. We are hypocritical when we lecture India,” he said.
Rubin argued that instead of “lecturing,” the US should offer India fuel at cheaper prices. “If we don’t have an answer for that, our best approach is simply to shut up, because India needs to take care of Indian security first,” he added.
Previously, Trump had imposed punitive 50 per cent tariffs on most Indian products in August, citing New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian oil.
Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited India to attend the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hosted Putin in New Delhi for energy, defence, and trade discussions, thanked the Russian leader for his “unwavering commitment towards India.”
Putin said Russia remains a reliable supplier of oil, gas, coal, and other essential resources needed for India’s growth. “We are ready to continue uninterrupted shipments of fuel for the fast-growing Indian economy,” he added, according to an official translator.
