US Trade Adviser Peter Navarro Slams India Over Russian Oil, Calls Tariffs Justified;

In a sharp escalation of criticism, former US President Donald Trump’s trade adviser, Peter Navarro, accused Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi of indirectly funding Russia’s war in Ukraine by continuing to buy discounted Russian oil. In an interview with Bloomberg on Thursday, Navarro claimed that India’s growing economic ties with both Russia and China are threatening global stability. "India can get 25% off oil prices tomorrow if it stops buying from Russia," Navarro said when asked whether the US is still in discussions with India. "What’s troubling is that Modi is seen as a strong leader, and India is a respected democracy. But they look us straight in the eye and deny having the world’s highest tariffs — even though they do. Then they refuse to stop buying Russian oil. What does that mean? Russia uses that money to fuel its war machine, which kills more Ukrainians. And then Ukraine turns to the US and Europe for more financial help. So, in the end, it’s the American taxpayer who foots the bill for what I call 'Modi’s war.'" Navarro went further, criticizing Indian oil refiners for profiting off cheap Russian crude and reselling it at higher prices. “Indian refiners are partnering with Russian companies, buying oil on the cheap, and selling it at a premium. That’s hurting everyone in the US,” he said. “The road to peace runs through New Delhi. Right now, it’s being blocked by what I call ‘Modi’s war.’” He also pushed back against India’s argument that it has the sovereign right to decide its energy sources, calling such claims arrogant. “India, you say you’re the world’s largest democracy — then act like it. Stand with other democracies. Instead, you're cozying up to authoritarian regimes. China has invaded your territory, and you’re still calling them friends?” Navarro pointed out that India’s purchase of around 1.5 million barrels of Russian oil per day provides Moscow with enough money to fund its weapons and drone programs. His comments come just as the US has slapped a steep 50% tariff on Indian goods — a move that could affect about 66% of Indian exports to the US. According to PTI, bilateral trade in goods for 2024–25 reached $131.8 billion, with $86.5 billion in Indian exports and $45.3 billion in imports from the US. Indian exporters have raised alarms, warning that the new tariffs could lead to job losses, business closures, and canceled orders. A spokesperson for the apparel industry told PTI that the decision has “effectively pushed Indian apparel out of the US market.” Navarro defended the tariffs, saying they were a response to both unfair trade practices and India’s continued oil purchases from Russia. “We applied 25% tariffs because they cheat us on trade. Then another 25% because of the Russian oil issue,” he said. “That hurts American workers. India uses the money it earns from exports to us to buy Russian oil, which then funds more weapons. So we’re left paying twice — once for the goods and again in foreign aid to Ukraine. That’s just crazy.” Not everyone in Washington shares Navarro’s hardline stance. Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley has urged Trump to strengthen ties with India, calling it a “valued democratic ally” against China. Renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs labeled the tariffs “bizarre” and “self-destructive,” warning they could push BRICS nations closer together. India has firmly pushed back. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said it was “perplexing” to single out India when countries like China and members of the EU remain among the biggest buyers of Russian oil and gas. “For years, the US has encouraged us to help stabilize global energy markets — including through Russian oil imports,” he said, describing the new tariffs as “extremely unfortunate” and promising that India would “take all necessary steps to protect its national interests.

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