logo
Russian diplomat claims West is using Romania as foothold for intervention, points to increase in NATO presence

Russian diplomat claims West is using Romania as foothold for intervention, points to increase in NATO presence

Moscow/Bucharest, July 20 (UNI) Amid the increasing military presence of NATO troops in Romania, the Russia Ambassador to Bucharest Vladimir Lipayev claims that Western powers are using Romania as a foothold for intervening in the Russia-Ukraine war, posing an increasing threat to regional security.
Speaking to RIA Novosti, Lipayev said "It is obvious that the states of the so-called collective West are trying, without directly using their armed forces, to increasingly intervene in the conflict in Ukraine, hoping to change its course by increasing the degree of escalation.
'The use of the territory of the alliance member states closest to Russia, including Romania, is considered one of the tools for such intervention. For this reason, the militarisation of Romania is in full swing."
Recently, there has been a significant increase in the number of Western troops stationed in Romania, particularly personnel and assets from the US, UK, France, Poland, Spain, Belgium, Sweden, among others, as part of NATO's 'Enhanced Forward Presence' military doctrine, to contain Russia troops.
The diplomat noted that elements of the US missile defence system were deployed on the country's territory, military bases were being expanded, and the NATO contingent was increasing. The Mihai Kogalniceanu airbase is located less than 400 km from Sevastopol, he added.
'Since 2016, the American Aegis Ashore missile defence system has been deployed in the area of the village of Deveselu. Dozens of NATO military exercises are held annually.
'In fact, Romania is destined to play the role of a NATO outpost on its southeastern flank, which in the event of a global conflict could be used to launch a pre-emptive, disarming strike against Russia,' he noted.
Claiming that the Romanian leadership is assuaging its public with false promises of security under the auspices of NATO security and not informing them of the actual developments, the general public in the country has become increasingly opposed to any further involvement of Romania in the war.
UNI XC ANV GNK
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

DNA Test Of US President Trump Tariff Bulling
DNA Test Of US President Trump Tariff Bulling

India.com

time11 minutes ago

  • India.com

DNA Test Of US President Trump Tariff Bulling

In a move that's sparked diplomatic concern, US President Donald Trump announced a unilateral 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods. A decision that coincided with the historic launch of the NISAR satellite, jointly developed by ISRO and NASA. While space collaboration between India and the US soared to new heights, Trump launched what many are calling a "tariff strike" on one of America's key allies. Dubbed "Mr. 25 Per cent," Trump claimed the tariffs were a response to India's high duties on American products, its continued defence deals with Russia, and its oil trade with Moscow. India, purchasing over 35 per cent of its crude oil from Russia at prices up to $25 cheaper per barrel, has prioritised national interest over external pressure. With long-term rupee-ruble agreements, India saves significantly on foreign reserves and fuel subsidies. Today's DNA analysed US President Trump tariff bulling. Watch Today's Full Episode: DNA में आज की बड़ी खबरें भारत-रूस की दोस्ती..ट्रंप से नहीं देखी गई? एनकाउंटर में 'सावन का सोमवार' दिखता है? सदी का सबसे बड़ा भूकंप..क्या बचा, क्या मिटा? WATCH DNA LIVE : #USTariff #DonaldTrump @pratyushkkhare — Zee News (@ZeeNews) July 30, 2025 The defense angle is just as critical. India has bought $45 billion worth of defense equipment from Russia, compared to $22 billion from the U.S. Despite this, India also imports from France and other countries, showcasing strategic autonomy in defense procurement. Trump's tariff targets, interestingly, align with BRICS nations, including 30 per cent on China and South Africa, 50 per cent on Brazil, and now 25 per cent on India. Analysts suggest that India's rising influence in BRICS and its independent foreign policy irked Trump. India exports heavily to the US in sectors like pharmaceuticals, textiles, agriculture, and jewellery, and all are likely to be impacted. On the import side, civil aircraft, medical devices, and electronics from the US will become more expensive. However, experts believe this tariff may be more of a negotiation tactic. Trump has previously rolled back tariffs post-pressure. With ongoing talks and India exploring new markets like the UK and BRICS, a potential US-India trade compromise still remains on the table.

Donald Trump announces 25% tariffs: Where does that leave India-US trade deal talks? What to expect
Donald Trump announces 25% tariffs: Where does that leave India-US trade deal talks? What to expect

Time of India

time19 minutes ago

  • Time of India

Donald Trump announces 25% tariffs: Where does that leave India-US trade deal talks? What to expect

Trump's tariffs on India appear to be a clear case of putting pressure on India to finalise a deal that would favour America. US President Donald Trump's fresh 25% tariff rate on India has raised an important question - what's next for trade talks between the countries? Is India stuck with a 25% tariff rate for its goods exported to the US or is this a new pressure tactic from the Donald Trump administration to get India to agree to its terms. Not only has Trump announced a 25% tariff on India (lower than 26% in April), he has also warned of an additional penalty on India's exports to the US for its continued purchase of Russia's crude oil and arms. Trump's post on Truth Social announcing tariffs on India reads, 'Remember, while India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their Tariffs are far too high, among the highest in the World, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary Trade Barriers of any Country. Also, they have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia's largest buyer of ENERGY, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE KILLING IN UKRAINE — ALL THINGS NOT GOOD! INDIA WILL THEREFORE BE PAYING A TARIFF OF 25%, PLUS A PENALTY FOR THE ABOVE, STARTING ON AUGUST FIRST. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. MAGA!' Does this leave India-US trade deal talks in a limbo? We take a look: India-US Trade Talks: Surprise Turn Of Events? In the last few weeks the US President had said several times that India and the US are nearing a trade deal. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Bangladesh Solar Panels: See How Much It Will Cost To Install Them (See Prices) Solar Panel | Search Ads Learn More Undo While announcing the trade deal with Indonesia, he had also hinted that the bilateral trade agreement with India would be on similar lines for market access. Trump's move of not sending a tariff letter to India had also been seen as a positive signal. Commerce minister Piyush Goyal too had indicated 'fast pace' progress in the trade negotiations. He had recently said that talks were making 'fantastic progress'. But yesterday Trump's statements indicated that the trade deal was not going to be finalized before the August 1 deadline for reciprocal tariff. Also Read | 'Will know at the end of the week…': After 25% tariff move, Donald Trump says talking to India; signals 'anti-US' group BRICS a factor Trump's Pressure Tactics Trump's tariffs on India appear to be a clear case of putting pressure on India to finalise a deal that would favour America. Trump's White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett has said, 'I think President Trump is frustrated with the progress we've made with India but feels that a 25% tariff will address and remedy the situation in a way that's good for the American people.' Trump and the United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will soon release further information regarding the additional sanctions that Trump has declared. The frustration seems to stem from issues such as India being firm on not opening its agriculture and dairy sectors, and its continued purchase of Russian crude oil and defence equipment. While the US wants access to India's agriculture and dairy markets, it has also been actively looking to sell its oil and arms to India. Trump has also in the past claimed that India has one of the highest tariffs and the trade relationship needs to change to America's advantage. Hours after announcing the tariffs, Trump said US is in talks with India. Answering a question on 25% tariffs on India and the additional penalty he said, "Prime Minister Modi is a friend of mine, but they don't do very much business in terms of business with us. They sell a lot to us, but we don't buy from the tariff is so high. They have one of the highest tariffs in the world. Now, they are willing to cut it very substantially. But we will see what happens.' Also Read | Explainer: What do Donald Trump's 25% tariffs on India mean? What happens if they stay… India's Firm Response India has been clear from the very beginning of the negotiations that its agriculture and dairy sectors are not open for any trade deal. It has maintained this stance in all its trade agreements till date. Reacting to Trump's announcement of a 25% tariff rate, the Ministry of commerce & industry was firm that India's national interest was the first priority. 'The Government attaches the utmost importance to protecting and promoting the welfare of our farmers, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs. The Government will take all steps necessary to secure our national interest, as has been the case with other trade agreements including the latest Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the UK,' the commerce ministry's statement reads. Yet another important thing to note is that India has always said that deadlines can't be a factor to seal trade deals. Piyush Goyal has repeatedly said that India does not work on trade deals with deadlines in mind. Also Read | Donald Trump imposes 25% tariffs on India! How does India compare to other economies like China, Japan, Vietnam on the rate list? Check details Next Round Of Trade Talks India also seems to have struck a conciliatory note in its statement, signalling willingness to continue the negotiation process. 'The Government has taken note of a statement by the US President on bilateral trade. The Government is studying its implications. India and the US have been engaged in negotiations on concluding a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement over the last few months. We remain committed to that objective,' the commerce ministry has said. US officials will be in India from August 25 onwards for the sixth round of the trade deal talks. During PM Narendra Modi's visit to the US in February, India and the US had announced that a trade deal is likely to be finalised by the fall of this year. While Trump's new tariff announcement may appear to be a setback in the negotiation process, it is expected that the two countries will find a common ground to finalize a mutually beneficial trade deal in the coming months. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . Discover stories of India's leading eco-innovators at Ecopreneur Honours 2025

Russia connect or PM's Op Sindoor remarks? What riled Trump into slapping tariffs on India?
Russia connect or PM's Op Sindoor remarks? What riled Trump into slapping tariffs on India?

New Indian Express

time22 minutes ago

  • New Indian Express

Russia connect or PM's Op Sindoor remarks? What riled Trump into slapping tariffs on India?

It was supposed to be a deal worth toasting. But at the eleventh hour, US President Donald Trump had quite a change of heart and jammed the dagger in India's back. Starting Thursday, Indian exporters will face a blanket 25% tariff plus penalties on exports to the US. Further, Trump hinted at slapping even higher tariffs. This wasn't expected. India and the US were hopeful of striking a deal as recently as 10 minutes ago. If Trump hinted of a 'big' deal, the Indian side saw 'fantastic' progress. Behind the scenes though, as both sides continue to walk the diplomatic tightrope, the proposed deal lays fully drafted in the drawer. What happens next is a roll of the dice, and the real victory is in simply arriving at the finish line. Clearly, Trump is upset with India's increasing trade with Russia, be it energy purchases or defence procurement. In fact, the US Senate and House of Representatives has introduced the Russian Sanctions Act, 2025, and proposes to impose 500% duties on countries like India that buy oil or other petroleum products from Russia. On its part, the government said it was studying the implications of the new tariffs, but insisted on concluding a 'fair, balanced and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement'. But on social media, the unvoiced corollary is that Trump was miffed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks in Parliament on Wednesday discrediting the US' involvement in calling ceasefire with Pakistan last month. Regardless of the reason, it's a fact that Indian exporters will face higher levies and given that the several rounds of negotiations were unsuccessful, we need to put more shovels in the ground. What's surprising is that despite the bonhomie between Trump and Modi, and the seemingly better relations between both countries, they couldn't find a middle path. This, when the US managed to sign the dotted line with several other countries including the UK, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Japan and the European Union. Analysts reason that most of these deals are not worth a rap, and were largely signed under US' pressure. For instance, Japan too resisted greater market access for American agricultural products to protect its local farmers, but eventually, gave in. It also committed substantial investments in the US in return for lower tariffs. Likewise, it's an unequal deal with Vietnam too as US exports to Vietnam will remain tariff-free, while exports from Vietnam will face 20%-40% tariffs. Amid all the trade pact overkill, New Delhi remained unfazed by the looming deadline. It hoped to safeguard the most politically and economically sensitive agriculture sector with the US, much like its recent trade deal with the UK. Analysts also believe, India has a few bargaining chips in its negotiation arsenal and is also seeking trade deals with other countries that may give it leverage. Above all, India's total exports to the US are barely about 2%, which isn't as significant. That said, the proposed tariffs are substantially higher than the average US tariff on most favoured nations when Trump took office at 3.3% on a simple average basis, according to estimates. In all, Trump announced a 50% tariff on all copper imports, 25 per cent on imported cars and parts, and 50 per cent on imported steel and aluminium and signalled higher levies on the pharmaceutical sector, threatening a 200% tariff on drug imports after a transition period of one to one-and-a-half years. If this happens, it may hit India hard. US is India's largest pharmaceutical export market, accounting for 36.6% of the country's drug exports, worth $9.8 billion between April, 2024 and February, 2025. Lastly, he also threatened an additional 10% tariff on countries that align with the anti-American policies of BRICS, including attempts to take over the dollar through the creation of an alternative reserve currency. All put together, the US President has ensured that many threats have been left hanging over India's head. The days ahead will let us know if he steps back and offers some respite to a country he began by referring to as 'our friend (with whom), we have, over the years done very little business'. Among those following the action keenly will be those who have smsed TRUMP to 58161 to book an address at Trump Tower, Worli in India's Maximum City. The tagline there: 'There is only one way to live. The Trump way.' Is this what the world is now coming to?

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store