American journalist and former Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson, in an exclusive interview with India Today Global, strongly defended India's sovereignty, stating that the USA cannot prevent India from purchasing oil from Russia. He clearly emphasized that India is not a nation that can be subjected to conditions.
During the conversations at the World Government Summit 2026 held in Dubai, Carlson remarked that India is now a great power. This is not the India of 25 years ago—it's a nation that engages in dialogue, not dictated by terms.
Efforts to Isolate Russia Are Harmful
Tucker Carlson sharply criticized the US administration’s policy towards the Russia-Ukraine war. He mentioned that American attempts to isolate Russia have been complete failures and have backfired, causing harm to the USA.
He further explained that sanctions have pushed Russia closer to China, India, and the Middle East, weakening America's global stance and damaging the US dollar. According to Carlson, sanctions have never benefited America, only harming the vulnerable.
America Can't Dictate India's Decisions
When questioned about America's objections to India purchasing oil from Russia, Tucker Carlson dismissed it as utterly absurd. He stressed that every sovereign nation has the full right to decide whom they trade with.
He stated, America cannot dictate to India whom it should buy oil from. India is now a superpower. People are taking time to grasp this new reality, but the change is undeniable.
Praises for Modi, Labelled as Historical Leader
Tucker Carlson described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a historical leader of our time. He said Modi is the kind of leader about whom books will be written. Despite whether one likes Modi or not, there's no denying his profound and genuine leadership. He is not superficial. Leaders like Modi, Putin, Erdogan, MBS, and Trump will be remembered in history.
Carlson also expressed his desire to interview Prime Minister Modi in the future, stressing that understanding India and its leadership is crucial in today’s global context.
Insights on Journalism and Power by Carlson
In the interview, Tucker Carlson discussed modern journalism, power, and propaganda. He indicated that the media structure established after World War II was designed for power preservation, not for truth-telling. Speaking the truth always comes with a cost, while lies seldom face repercussions. According to Carlson, this is why alternative and independent media platforms are on the rise today.
Observations on Putin, Trump, and Global Politics
Regarding the interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Tucker Carlson noted that a leader should be judged by the state of their country. He remarked that under Putin’s leadership, Russia is in a better state, and keeping such a diverse nation united is a significant achievement.
On Donald Trump’s tariff policy, Carlson mentioned that its impacts will only be understood in the long run, acknowledging that tariff diplomacy results may take decades to materialize.
India's Role in a Changing World
According to Tucker Carlson, the world is changing rapidly, and India is no longer just an emerging power. He outlined that America and Europe need to realize that countries like India, China, and Russia are now shaping the global order. He mentioned, this is a new world where conversations are based on equality.
