Putin Calls for End of Unipolar World
Russian President Vladimir Putin has once again renewed his call for a multipolar global order, asserting that the era of a unipolar world dominated by a single power must come to an end. Speaking after a four-day official visit to China, Putin stressed that international politics and security must be shaped by equality among all nations, not by the dominance of one.
“A unipolar world is unfair. It’s obvious. The world must be multipolar, which means all actors in international relations must be equal, and there must be no one more equal than the others. A unipolar world must cease to exist,” Putin declared, echoing his long-standing criticism of Western hegemony.
India and China as Economic Giants
In his remarks, Putin highlighted the increasing role of Asia’s largest economies—India and China—in shaping the global system. He described them as “giants” whose economic rise demonstrates the ongoing shift in international power dynamics.
“Everyone has equal rights in this multipolar world. Yes, there are economic giants like India or China. Our country is among the top four economies in purchasing power parity. But that doesn’t mean anyone should dominate politics or global security. Everyone must be equal,” Putin said.
The Russian leader noted that the collective rise of Asian powers marks a decisive step away from the outdated model of a US-led unipolar order. By stressing India’s role alongside China, Putin signaled Moscow’s intent to align more closely with both nations amid growing global polarization.
Criticism of US Sanctions and Tariffs
Putin’s comments were widely interpreted as an indirect rebuke to both Western sanctions imposed on Russia over its ongoing war in Ukraine and the tariff-heavy trade policies of US President Donald Trump.
New Delhi, in particular, has been affected by recent American economic decisions. Washington imposed a 50 percent tariff on Indian imports, coupled with an additional 25 percent surcharge tied to India’s continued purchases of discounted Russian crude oil. These measures have raised concerns about India’s export competitiveness while complicating its balancing act between long-standing US ties and growing partnership with Moscow.
For Russia, Western sanctions have accelerated its pivot toward Asia, with China and India emerging as key trade partners. Putin’s emphasis on fairness in global economic relations reflects Moscow’s effort to portray itself as a champion of equality against what it perceives as Western dominance.
BRICS, SCO, and the Push for Equality
The Russian President also underscored that platforms such as BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) should function as vehicles for cooperation rather than competition.
“This new multipolar world should not have any hegemons. No one is speaking about this, not in BRICS, not in the SCO,” Putin asserted.
By highlighting these multilateral blocs, Putin framed them as inclusive institutions designed to counterbalance Western-led alliances. The message was clear: Moscow seeks to anchor itself within Asia-led platforms while pushing for a more balanced international order.
Outcomes of China Visit and Talks with Modi
Reflecting on his recent trip to Beijing, Putin described the visit as “very positive” and forward-looking, noting that a number of significant agreements were reached to deepen trade, energy, and technological cooperation between Russia and China.
He also revealed that he held an informal conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their car ride from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit venue to their bilateral meeting hotel. “Well, it’s not a secret. To him, I told about the negotiations in Alaska,” Putin said, referring to his recent talks with President Trump.
Though details of the Alaska discussions were not disclosed, Putin’s mention of them to Modi underscores the strategic trust Moscow wishes to cultivate with New Delhi. Russia continues to see India not only as a vital economic partner but also as a balancing power in Asia’s evolving security environment.
A New Phase in Global Politics
Putin’s remarks illustrate Russia’s long-term vision of a world where no single nation dictates terms. By placing India and China at the forefront of this narrative, he signaled that Eurasia is central to Moscow’s strategy of resisting Western dominance.
As Washington’s confrontations with Beijing and Moscow intensify, and as India navigates complex economic and diplomatic pressures, Putin’s call for multipolarity adds weight to the debate over the future of international order. For now, the message from Moscow is unmistakable: the unipolar world must end, and a new, balanced structure must take its place.
