India, South Africa Resist U.S. Tariffs Over Russia

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed deepening their 'Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership,' with Modi inviting Putin to India for the annual summit and expressing gratitude for updates on the Ukraine conflict. The United States, under President Trump, has sharply increased tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, citing India's ongoing energy trade with Russia, but India has defended its actions as essential for national interests. Separately, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke with Putin after talks with Trump about U.S. tariffs on South African imports. Ramaphosa welcomed Putin's Ukraine briefing, reaffirmed support for peace initiatives, and agreed with Putin to further strengthen their strategic partnership. Both India and South Africa continue to emphasize strong ties with Russia despite rising U.S. economic pressure. These actions signal shifting alliances and growing resistance to U.S. geopolitical influence among major emerging economies.