Kamal Haasan Tells Donald Trump India Does Not Take Orders from Foreign Powers

Actor-politician Kamal Haasan on Sunday criticised comments linked to Donald Trump’s administration after a senior US official claimed that Washington had given India “permission” to purchase Russian oil. Responding sharply on social media platform X, Haasan said India is a sovereign nation and does not take orders from other countries, urging the United States to respect India’s independence in making its own decisions.

In his post, Haasan directly addressed the US President and emphasised India’s autonomy in global affairs. “Dear Mr President, we, the people of India, belong to a free and sovereign nation. We no longer take orders from distant foreign shores. Please mind your own business to the best of your abilities,” he wrote. The actor-turned-politician also stressed the importance of mutual respect between nations, stating that “mutual respect between sovereign nations is the only foundation of lasting global peace” and wishing the American people peace and prosperity.

The remarks followed statements made by Scott Bessent, the US Treasury Secretary and an aide to Trump, during an interview with Fox Business. Bessent said Washington had temporarily allowed India to continue purchasing Russian oil after disruptions in global supply chains caused by conflict in the Middle East. According to him, the US had earlier asked India to stop buying sanctioned Russian oil and instead consider American supplies, but later permitted the purchases to ease short-term global shortages.

Also Read: Bessent Says US Considering Lifting More Russia Oil Sanctions

The comments have sparked debate about India’s energy independence and its balancing act in international relations. India has continued to import discounted Russian crude since the start of the Russia–Ukraine War, citing domestic energy needs and market stability. Haasan’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment among some Indian political voices that decisions regarding energy security and trade should remain solely within the country’s sovereign authority.

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