Russia has issued a sharp diplomatic rebuke to the United States over its escalating tariff regime against India, warning that coercive trade tactics will not succeed against “ancient civilizations” like India and China. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made the remarks during a televised interview on Channel 1’s “The Great Game” on September 18, 2025, amid growing tensions over India’s continued imports of Russian oil and the imposition of steep US tariffs.
Lavrov’s comments come as President Donald Trump appears to soften his tone on India, acknowledging that the 50% tariff hike—announced in July and expanded in August—has created “a rift” in bilateral relations. The tariffs, which target Indian exports in sectors like textiles, shrimp, leather, and footwear, were initially justified by Washington as a penalty for India’s energy trade with Moscow.
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Timeline of US Tariffs on India and Diplomatic Fallout
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 2025 | Trump announces 25% tariff on Indian goods |
| August 27 | Additional 25% imposed, total tariff reaches 50% |
| September 9 | Lavrov criticizes US pressure tactics on Channel 1 |
| September 15 | Trump admits tariffs “cause a rift” in CNBC interview |
| September 18 | Russia reiterates support for India’s sovereign trade decisions |
The tariff escalation coincided with stalled negotiations over a bilateral trade agreement between India and the US, which had entered its sixth round before being abruptly cancelled.
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Sergey Lavrov’s Statement: Key Highlights
| Quote | Context |
|---|---|
| “Ancient civilizations like India and China won’t bow to ultimatums.” | On US tariff threats |
| “This approach creates moral and political opposition.” | On Washington’s coercive diplomacy |
| “India is forced to seek new markets and pay higher prices.” | On economic impact of US pressure |
| “We have drawn conclusions from the West’s sanctions.” | On Russia’s long-term strategy |
Lavrov emphasized that the US strategy of using tariffs as leverage is not only economically disruptive but also diplomatically counterproductive.
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US Tariff Impact on Indian Export Sectors
| Sector | Estimated Loss |
|---|---|
| Textiles | ₹8,000 crore annually |
| Shrimp Exports | ₹4,500 crore |
| Leather Goods | ₹3,200 crore |
| Footwear | ₹2,800 crore |
| Total Impact | ₹18,500 crore+ |
The 50% tariff has disproportionately affected labor-intensive sectors, prompting calls from Indian trade bodies for urgent relief and renegotiation.
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India’s Response and Trade Negotiation Status
| Action Taken | Status |
|---|---|
| Bilateral Trade Talks | 5 rounds completed, 6th round postponed |
| Indian Delegation Lead | Rajesh Agrawal, Special Secretary, Commerce Ministry |
| US Delegation Lead | Brendan Lynch, Assistant US Trade Representative |
| Current Status | Talks resumed informally, formal round pending |
India has maintained that its energy decisions are sovereign and based on national interest, while continuing to engage diplomatically with Washington.
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Trump’s Shift in Rhetoric: From Penalty to Pragmatism
| Statement | Date | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| “India was their biggest customer.” | September 15 | CNBC International |
| “Tariffs cause a rift.” | September 15 | CNBC International |
| “Not an easy thing to do.” | September 15 | CNBC International |
Trump’s recent remarks suggest a growing awareness of the geopolitical costs of alienating India, especially amid rising tensions with China.
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Russia’s Strategic Positioning in India-US Trade Dispute
| Position | Implication |
|---|---|
| Support for India’s energy autonomy | Strengthens Moscow-New Delhi ties |
| Criticism of US tariffs | Positions Russia as a diplomatic counterweight |
| Emphasis on ancient civilizations | Appeals to cultural pride and sovereignty |
| Rejection of sanctions diplomacy | Reinforces Russia’s global narrative of resistance |
Lavrov’s comments are part of a broader Russian effort to build strategic alliances in Asia and challenge Western economic hegemony.
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Global Reactions to US Tariff Strategy
| Country/Bloc | Response |
|---|---|
| China | Echoed Russia’s stance, called for multipolar trade frameworks |
| EU | Expressed concern over unilateral tariff hikes |
| ASEAN | Urged restraint and multilateral dialogue |
| Indian Industry Bodies | Called for tariff rollback and expedited trade deal |
The tariff issue has become a flashpoint in global trade diplomacy, with multiple stakeholders urging Washington to reconsider its approach.
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Conclusion: Russia’s Message Amplifies India’s Trade Sovereignty Amid US Pressure
Russia’s strong message to the United States—“Tariffs against India won’t work”—has added a new layer of complexity to the ongoing trade tensions between New Delhi and Washington. As President Trump softens his rhetoric and acknowledges the diplomatic fallout, the spotlight shifts to whether the US will recalibrate its strategy and resume meaningful negotiations.
For India, the moment underscores the importance of strategic autonomy, diversified energy partnerships, and resilient trade diplomacy. As global powers jostle for influence, New Delhi’s choices will shape not just its own economic trajectory, but the balance of power in a rapidly evolving world order.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available diplomatic statements, verified news reports, and trade data. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, political, or economic advice. All developments are subject to official confirmation and ongoing negotiations.
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