NextFin news, Moscow, September 19, 2025 – Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov publicly criticized the United States on Friday for imposing tariff threats against India and China, describing these measures as futile and short-sighted. Lavrov stated that attempts by the US to coerce India and China through economic sanctions and tariffs will not succeed, highlighting the historical resilience and sovereignty of these ancient civilizations.
Lavrov's remarks came amid escalating tensions over India's continued purchase of Russian crude oil despite US pressure. The US, under the Trump administration, increased tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 50% as a punitive measure linked to India's energy trade with Russia during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Speaking on Russian television's program "The Great Game," Lavrov said, "China and India are ancient civilizations. If you tell them, 'Either obey me, or I will impose tariffs'—that approach will not work." He emphasized that India, as a sovereign nation, cannot be forced into decisions that contradict its economic interests and national priorities.
Lavrov further accused the US of using trade restrictions and sanctions as political weapons, which he argued only push countries like India and China to seek alternative markets and partnerships, often at higher costs. He described the US approach as lacking constructive diplomatic engagement and fostering moral and political opposition.
The Russian Foreign Minister also addressed the broader context of US sanctions on Russia, noting that the unprecedented sanctions imposed during the Trump administration have been met with Russian adaptation and resilience. He criticized the Biden administration for abandoning diplomacy in favor of sanctions, which he said have failed to achieve their intended goals.
Meanwhile, US officials, including former White House trade adviser Peter Navarro, have sharply criticized India, labeling it the "maharaja of tariffs" and accusing Indian refiners of profiting unfairly from Russian oil imports. Navarro claimed these profits indirectly support Russian military efforts, intensifying the trade dispute between the US and India.
Despite these tensions, India has maintained that its foreign and trade policies are guided by national interest and energy security considerations. New Delhi has not officially responded to the US tariff threats but continues to balance its relations with both the West and Russia.
Negotiations between India and the US on an interim trade deal are ongoing, but Lavrov's statements signal Russia's support for India's independent stance and a broader pushback against US attempts to isolate Moscow on the global stage.
Sources: The Hindustan Gazette (https://thehindustangazette.com/election/russia-warns-us-tariff-pressure-india-fail-39872), Observer Voice (https://observervoice.com/russia-criticizes-trump-tariffs-emphasizing-the-historical-significance-of-india-and-china-146251/), Dynamite News (https://www.dynamitenews.com/international/ancient-civilizations-like-india-and-china-are-not-afraid-of-trumps-ultimatums-says-russia)
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