Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has sharply criticised Washington’s tariff threats, asserting that “ancient civilisations” such as India and China will not succumb to ultimatums. Speaking on Russia’s flagship television programme The Great Game on Channel 1, Lavrov said U.S. demands to halt Russian energy imports are backfiring, compelling countries to “seek new markets, new resources, and pay higher prices.”
His remarks come amid escalating friction between New Delhi and Washington, with the Trump administration denouncing India’s continued purchase of Russian oil despite the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
“Both China and India are ancient civilisations, and to use this language with them—‘either stop doing what I don’t like, or I will impose tariffs on you’—that won’t work,” Lavrov said. He warned that Washington’s approach is drawing not just economic backlash but also “moral and political opposition.”
Lavrov noted that U.S. pressure undermines the economic well-being of India and China, creating “serious difficulties” by forcing them to diversify energy sources at higher costs.
Trump’s Tariffs on India
Over the past two months, U.S.-India trade tensions have deepened. President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian goods in July, followed by another 25% hike in August—raising the total to 50%—citing India’s refusal to scale back Russian oil imports. The tariffs, effective August 27, have cast uncertainty over ongoing negotiations for an interim India-U.S. trade deal.
White House trade adviser Peter Navarro has repeatedly attacked New Delhi, branding India the “maharaja of tariffs” and accusing elites of profiteering while continuing to import Russian oil. In a recent interview, Navarro alleged Indian refiners were “in bed with Russian refiners immediately after the invasion,” and warned that such practices directly aid Moscow’s war machine.
Similarly, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick criticised India’s tariff regime, telling Axios that “India brags about having 1.4 billion people but won’t buy even a small amount of American corn,” warning that unless tariffs are lowered, New Delhi will face a “tough time” doing business with the United States.
Sanctions and the Russian Response
Asked about fresh sanctions on Moscow, Lavrov appeared unfazed.
“Frankly speaking, I don’t see any problem. An enormous amount of sanctions, unprecedented for that period, were imposed during President Donald Trump’s first term,” he said.
Lavrov added that during President Joe Biden’s tenure, sanctions had become a substitute for diplomacy, with Washington avoiding compromise in favour of punitive measures.
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