Putin Urges Respectful Tone Among Equity-Minded Powers

Russian President Vladimir Putin, during his four-day visit to China, called for equitable dialogue among partner nations, stressing that the era of dominance in international relations must yield to mutual respect. Speaking at a press briefing, he underscored that countries such as India and China are “powerful economies” governed by their own legal and political systems, warning that attempts to “punish” them undermine diplomatic balance and place national leaders in precarious positions. He asserted that the “colonial era is over” and that no country should use an overbearing tone with its partners—a remark widely interpreted as a subtle critique of U. S. tariff policies.

Putin’s remarks came amid growing tensions triggered by the United States’ steep imposition of tariffs—doubling to 50 percent—on Indian exports, widely perceived as punishment for India’s procurement of Russian oil. Indian officials have denounced the measures as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” maintaining that energy autonomy is critical to their national priorities.

The broader context underscores a shifting geopolitical landscape. At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin, Chinese President Xi Jinping advanced a vision of multipolar governance and economic integration, including proposals for a development bank and expanded AI cooperation. Putin endorsed these initiatives, criticising Western unilateralism and championing multilateralism through the SCO framework.

Leaders from Russia, China, India, and North Korea also converged in Beijing for a grand military parade marking the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end. Chinese President Xi stressed that the world faces a critical choice between “peace or war,” as the display showcased advanced weaponry and symbolised the emergence of a united front challenging Western dominance.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attending the SCO summit—the first visit to China in seven years—was met with warmth and emphasised strategic autonomy. Despite lingering military tensions, he and Xi agreed to deepen trust, resume direct flights, and pursue cooperation unfiltered by third‑party lenses. Analysts view this thaw as a pragmatic response to U. S. pressures rather than a full strategic realignment.

Strategists warn that U. S. protectionism may yield unintended diplomatic consequences. Former U. S. national security officials and economists critique the tariffs as “strategically flawed,” arguing they risk driving India into a tighter embrace with BRICS nations and other non-Western partners.

Within the SCO summit, Xi’s pledge of aid—including grants, loans, and a proposed development bank—offers member states economic lifelines amid rising global fragmentation. Putin reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to forging a “fairer multipolar world,” tied to SCO-led multilateralism and reduced dependency on Western-dominated institutions.

Putin’s call for respectful communication among sovereign states encapsulates a broader push for redefined diplomacy. As tensions escalate, his remarks underscore Russia’s positioning among emerging powers challenging traditional Western-led structures and reinforcing the influence of regional multilateral platforms.