# Russian envoy says US official revealed plan to contain India 2026-09-27T15:01:30+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 2 independent outlets Russia's ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, said a senior US official made a 'Freudian slip' at the Raisina Dialogue this year, admitting that Washington would not allow India to become the next China. Speaking at the NDTV Defence Summit on Sunday, Alipov said the remark revealed US fears of India's rise and that the US would do everything to contain India. Alipov pointed to the recently signed Graham Act, which authorises tariffs of up to 100% on goods from the top five buyers of Russian oil. India is among the largest importers of Russian crude. The envoy said India buys Russian oil for its own economy and that such pressure would increase as India grows stronger. The Indian external affairs ministry said earlier this month that India would take all necessary steps to protect its trade and energy interests. The government has not issued a formal response to Alipov's remarks. ## Indian Opinion Analysis Both NDTV and Hindustan Times report Alipov's claim neutrally, without challenging or endorsing it. The framing centres on the Russian envoy's assertion rather than any Indian or US official response, which is absent. The Graham Act is presented as evidence of US intent, but neither source examines its actual implementation or India's diplomatic options. The key development to track is whether the Indian government formally addresses Alipov's statement or the Graham Act's implications before the next round of US-India trade talks. Coverage is uniform straight reporting, both outlets lead with the same quote and attribute it clearly. The implication is that Russia is positioning itself as a strategic counterweight to US pressure on India, a dynamic that will be tested if Washington enforces the tariff provisions. ## Coverage - ndtv.com (neutral report) Leads with Alipov's claim and Freudian slip quote, no additional context or challenge. - hindustantimes.com (neutral report) Reports claim verbatim, adds context of Graham Act and India's earlier statement. Tags: Denis Alipov, Graham Act, Raisina Dialogue, Russia, United States Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/russian-envoy-says-us-official-revealed-plan-to-contain-india/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/russian-envoy-says-us-official-revealed-plan-to-contain-india/#story-in-brief