Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has strongly criticised the United States for threatening tariffs on India and China, arguing that such &ldquo;ultimatums&rdquo; cannot be imposed on ancient civilisations.
In an interview with Russia&rsquo;s Channel 1, Lavrov said Washington&rsquo;s push for countries to halt Russian oil imports is backfiring, as it forces them to pay higher energy costs and turn to alternative markets. 
&ldquo;Both China and India are ancient civilisations&hellip; that language will not work with them,&rdquo; he remarked, praising New Delhi and Beijing for demonstrating political and moral resistance to US pressure.
His comments come amid intensifying trade friction between Washington and New Delhi. 
In July, then-US President Donald Trump slapped a 25% tariff on Indian goods, later doubling it to 50% in August, citing India&rsquo;s continued purchases of Russian oil.
Trump&rsquo;s former trade adviser Peter Navarro frequently targeted India, branding it the &ldquo;maharaja of tariffs&rdquo; and accusing its refiners of profiteering from Russian energy. 
Similarly, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick warned India over high duties, claiming it obstructs American agricultural exports.
Lavrov, however, dismissed the effectiveness of new sanctions on Russia, noting that &ldquo;unprecedented&rdquo; restrictions had already been introduced under Trump and later broadened by President Joe Biden. 
He accused Western nations of abandoning diplomacy in favour of sanctions instead of pursuing dialogue and compromise.

Lavrov addressing media, criticizing US tariff threats

Lavrov defends India, China; says US tariff ultimatums won’t work on ancient civilisations

Lavrov Hits Back At US Tariff Threats

Lavrov defends India, China; says US tariff ultimatums won’t work on ancient civilisations

September 19, 2025 | 15:38 IST