Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov defends India and China against U.S. criticism for buying Russian oil, says ancient nations won’t bend to threats.
Context: U.S. Criticism Over Russian Oil Trade
In recent weeks, former U.S. President Donald Trump and his officials have taken aim at India and China for continuing to purchase oil from Russia, suggesting such actions are indirectly funding the war in Ukraine—an accusation strongly denied by New Delhi.
India has consistently maintained that its energy policy is based on national interest, economic stability, and global market conditions.
Lavrov Pushes Back: “This Pressure Won’t Work”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking on state-run Channel One TV’s program The Great Game, sharply rebuked the U.S. stance, stating:
“To tell countries like India or China—both ancient civilisations—‘do what I say or face tariffs’ is not just arrogant, it’s ineffective.”
Lavrov said that Washington’s threats are doing the opposite of what it intends:
- Pushing nations further away from the West
- Encouraging diversification of energy partnerships
- Forcing countries to pay higher costs as they navigate global pressure
“Moral and Political Resistance” to U.S. Strategy
Lavrov warned that the language of ultimatums, particularly from Trump-era officials, lacks moral and diplomatic legitimacy.
“There is strong political resistance to this approach, not just from Russia but globally,” he said.
He emphasized that India and China are sovereign powers with long histories and strategic autonomy — not countries that will yield to coercive tactics.
India’s Stand: Oil Purchases Driven by National Interest
India has continued buying discounted Russian crude since the Ukraine conflict began, and has repeatedly said that:
- It is not funding any war
- Its decisions are market-driven
- External pressures are unfair and unjustified
Indian officials have called the U.S. position “unreasonable”, citing the West’s own shifting energy interests over the decades.
Lavrov on Sanctions: “We’ve Adapted”
Responding to possible new U.S. sanctions, Lavrov appeared unbothered:
“There were already an unprecedented number of sanctions during Trump’s first term… and even more under Biden. But instead of diplomacy, the West now uses sanctions as a default tool.”
Lavrov added that Russia has learned to adapt and is focusing on building stronger ties with the Global South, especially in Asia.
As tensions rise over energy trade and geopolitical alliances, Russia’s firm support for India and China signals a deeper strategic shift. Lavrov’s message to the U.S. was clear: the era of unilateral pressure is over. For ancient civilisations like India and China, decisions will be based on national interest—not threats.
