A former Pentagon official has sparked controversy by saying that US President Donald Trump deserves a “Nobel Prize” for bringing India and Russia closer during Vladimir Putin’s visit to India.
A former Pentagon official has said that US President Donald Trump deserves a “Nobel Prize for bringing India and Russia together.” Commenting on Vladimir Putin’s visit to India, Michael Rubin told ANI that the outreach is seen by most Americans as “Trump’s gross incompetence.” His remarks came as Putin wrapped up his two-day India visit.
Rubin spoke sarcastically about Trump’s role, suggesting that India–Russia ties had strengthened partly because of how Trump has treated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India. He said the visit appeared highly positive for Russia, adding that India had extended honours to Putin “that he can hardly get anywhere else in the world.”
#WATCH | Washington, DC, USA | “Donald Trump deserves a Nobel Prize for bringing India and Russia together the way he did”, says Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India.
He further says, “From Russia’s perspective, the visit… pic.twitter.com/vYXcVTwP7M
— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2025
Keeping his criticism pointed, Rubin asked how many agreements would translate into real cooperation, and how many were driven by India’s frustration with Trump’s approach.
He also accused Washington of being “hypocritical” in lecturing India over its purchase of discounted Russian oil, noting that the US continues buying goods from Moscow. Rubin said India, soon to become the world’s third-largest economy, must prioritise its energy needs.
#WATCH | Washington, DC, USA | Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin says, “…There is no strategic logic for the United States embracing Pakistan…It should be designated a state sponsor of terrorism, period. If Asim Munir comes to the United States, he should be arrested… pic.twitter.com/nukhasYwbM
— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2025
Rubin described US reactions as split into two camps. “If you’re Donald Trump, it’s being perceived through the lens of ‘I told you so,’” he said, while for “the 65 percent of Americans who dislike Donald Trump,” the situation reflects what he called “Donald Trump’s gross incompetence.”
Responding to Putin’s assurance of uninterrupted fuel supply to India, Rubin said Americans often fail to recognise India’s strategic requirements: “Indians elected Prime Minister Modi to represent Indian interests.”
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