Trump Targets India and China at UNGA
In a fiery address to the UN General Assembly, former US President Donald Trump accused India and China of being the “primary funders” of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. According to Trump, the two Asian giants are keeping Moscow’s war machine alive by buying Russian oil in large volumes.
Trump also linked the criticism to his administration’s move on August 27, 2025, when the US imposed 50% tariffs on Indian imports. Of this, half were reciprocal duties and the other half targeted India’s oil trade with Russia. Interestingly, several senior officials within Trump’s own camp had opposed the move, warning it could strain Washington’s ties with New Delhi.
Zelensky Backs India, Counters Trump
Responding to Trump’s remarks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky offered a contrasting view, suggesting that India is “mostly” aligned with Ukraine.
“I think India, mostly, with us. Yes, we have questions with energy, but I think President Trump can manage it,” Zelensky told Fox News in a recent interview.
Zelensky acknowledged India’s oil purchases from Russia as a concern but emphasized that Ukraine does not view New Delhi as a war enabler. Instead, he projected optimism that India will eventually reduce its reliance on Russian energy.
India’s Energy Reality
India, the world’s third-largest oil consumer, imports over 85% of its crude requirements. Since the Ukraine war began in February 2022, Russian oil has become a significant part of India’s energy basket due to deep discounts offered by Moscow.
- In 2021, Russia accounted for just 2% of India’s crude imports.
- By 2023, that figure surged to over 35%, making Russia India’s largest oil supplier, ahead of Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
New Delhi has consistently defended these imports, stating that energy security and affordability remain its top priorities, especially for a developing economy.
Ukraine Seeks Stronger Ties With India
Zelensky, however, urged closer cooperation between India and Europe to counterbalance Moscow’s influence.
“With the Europeans make closer and stronger relations with India. I am sure India will change their attitude to Russian energy sector,” he said.
This reflects Kyiv’s strategy of keeping India engaged diplomatically while gradually nudging it away from Russian energy dependence.
The China Factor
While Zelensky spoke with cautious optimism about India, his tone shifted when addressing China.
“With China, it’s more difficult… today, it’s not in their interests not to support Russia,” he remarked.
Unlike India, China has openly deepened its strategic partnership with Moscow, expanding energy trade and military cooperation. Zelensky, however, suggested that Trump could use his political influence to alter Chinese President Xi Jinping’s stance.
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The Bigger Geopolitical Picture
Zelensky’s remarks came just hours after Trump’s UNGA speech, signaling the deepening fault lines in global geopolitics:
- The US: Pressuring allies to reduce ties with Russia.
- India: Balancing between strategic ties with the West and cheap Russian energy.
- Ukraine: Trying to keep India closer to its camp while confronting China’s pro-Russia tilt.
As the war stretches into its third year, Ukraine’s message is clear — India is too important to lose, China too aligned with Moscow to win over, and Trump remains a wildcard in shifting global alliances.
