Overview

• President Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian imports via Truth Social and branded the combined India–Russia economy “dead.”
• Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev issued a sharp rejoinder on Telegram, invoking the Soviet-era “Dead Hand” automated nuclear retaliation system.
• The exchange has escalated into a dangerous war of words blending economic coercion and nuclear-themed threats.
• Vladimir Putin has made no public comment on the dispute, and the Kremlin says it is closely monitoring developments.
• The confrontation highlights deepening US economic rivalry with BRICS members and an intensifying propaganda battle in US–Russia relations.