Thu Sep 18 18:26:48 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has condemned the US’s use of tariffs and threats to pressure countries like India and China to cease purchasing Russian energy. He argues that such tactics are ineffective against nations with long histories and only serve to push them away and increase their costs. Lavrov also dismissed concerns about new sanctions against Russia, claiming they are commonplace and have been used by the US to avoid diplomatic solutions. India has defended its purchase of Russian oil as being in its national interest.

**News Article:**

**Lavrov Slams US Tariff Threats, Defends Russia’s Energy Ties with India and China**

**MOSCOW** – Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has launched a strong critique of the United States’ approach to international relations, specifically its use of tariffs and ultimatums aimed at pressuring countries to curtail their energy purchases from Russia.

Speaking on Russian state television, Lavrov argued that such tactics would prove ineffective against major powers like India and China, describing them as “ancient civilizations” that would not succumb to threats.

“To use this language with them, ‘either stop doing what I don’t like, or I’ll impose tariffs on you,’ well, that won’t work,” Lavrov stated, referring to reported pressure from the US on India and China to cease buying Russian energy. He further contended that US demands were pushing these countries to seek alternative, potentially more expensive, energy sources.

Lavrov also addressed the potential for new sanctions against Russia, dismissing them as a routine tool employed by the US. He claimed that during the Trump and Biden administrations, sanctions had become a substitute for diplomatic efforts and compromise.

His comments come amid ongoing criticism from the US regarding India’s purchase of Russian oil, with some US officials suggesting that these purchases are indirectly funding the war in Ukraine. New Delhi has repeatedly rejected these accusations, asserting that its energy procurement decisions are driven by national interest and market dynamics. India has characterized the US pressure as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable”.

While the Trump administration has not yet imposed tariffs on China for importing Russian oil, Trump has previously expressed interest in the possibility.

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