Washington, DC, December 6 — Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin told reporters that many Americans interpret Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent trip to India as a consequence of President Donald Trump’s failures. Citing recent polling that shows roughly 65% of Americans view Trump unfavorably, Rubin said the visit is seen in two opposing ways: Trump’s backers treat it as proof of his preferred narrative, while his critics view it as confirmation of “gross incompetence.”
Rubin also criticized the United States for admonishing India over purchases of discounted Russian oil, calling that stance hypocritical because the U.S. continues to trade with Russia for goods and materials where alternatives are limited. He argued New Delhi is prioritizing national interests and energy security as it expands economically, and noted that Indian voters elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi to protect those priorities.
“If Washington objects to India buying Russian fuel, it must be able to provide a cheaper, reliable supply in the volumes India needs,” Rubin said, adding that without such an alternative the U.S. should refrain from lecturing. He questioned last August’s U.S. decision to impose an additional 50% tariff on some Indian imports linked to New Delhi’s Russian oil purchases, arguing that punitive measures ring hollow if no practical substitute is offered.
During the two-day visit, Putin told a joint press event with Prime Minister Modi that Moscow intends to remain a steady supplier of energy, pledging continued shipments of oil, gas and coal to support India’s growing economy.
Rubin said many Americans are stunned that recent U.S. policy choices appear to have strained ties with India and speculated whether external influences — including overtures from Pakistan or support from countries such as Turkey and Qatar — played a role in shaping those outcomes. He warned that such developments could leave the United States facing a long-term strategic deficit.
Putin departed New Delhi Friday night, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar accompanying him to the airport. At the India-Russia Annual Summit held during the visit, the two leaders agreed to deepen cooperation on reliable transport corridors and to expand the India-Russia economic partnership with an eye toward a stronger relationship by 2030.
