NextFin news, On Friday, September 19, 2025, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov publicly criticized the United States for threatening tariffs on India and China due to their continued purchase of Russian oil. Speaking on Russia’s Channel 1 program The Great Game, Lavrov condemned the US approach as ineffective and counterproductive.
Lavrov stated that the US tactic of pressuring countries with ultimatums such as "stop doing what I don’t like, or I’ll impose tariffs on you" will not work against India and China, which he described as "ancient civilizations" unwilling to bow to such demands. He emphasized that Washington’s threats are pushing these countries to diversify their trade and seek new markets rather than comply with US demands.
The Russian foreign minister also dismissed the impact of potential new sanctions, noting that Russia has already endured unprecedented sanctions during previous US administrations. He criticized the West for replacing diplomacy with sanctions, leaving little room for constructive engagement.
Lavrov’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions as the US, under former President Donald Trump’s administration, has accused India of "funding the war in Ukraine" through its oil imports from Russia—a claim Indian officials have firmly denied. India has defended its energy imports as driven by national interest and market realities, rejecting US criticism as unfair and unjustified.
While Trump has not yet imposed tariffs on China for its Russian oil imports, his administration has indicated it is considering such measures. Lavrov’s comments underscore Moscow’s confidence that India and China will resist US pressure and continue to deepen their economic and energy cooperation with Russia.
This development highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics involving the US, Russia, India, and China, particularly in the context of energy trade and international sanctions.
Explore more exclusive insights at nextfin.ai.
