In a sharp escalation of U.S. criticism of India, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro accused New Delhi of indirectly financing Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine through its continued purchase of discounted Russian crude. Speaking to Bloomberg TV, Navarro went as far as to describe the conflict as “Modi’s war”, asserting that “the road to peace runs, in part, through New Delhi.”
The remarks came hours after the Trump administration announced a doubling of tariffs on Indian imports to 50%, a move that has already rattled trade relations between the two nations.
Tariff escalation and its impact
The tariff hike impacts more than 55% of Indian exports to the U.S., with labour-heavy sectors such as textiles and jewellery taking the hardest hit. Electronics and pharmaceuticals, however, have been spared.
Navarro claimed that India’s high tariffs and oil purchases from Moscow were costing American workers jobs, wages and income, adding:
“Everybody in America loses because of what India is doing… and then the taxpayers lose, because we’ve got to fund Modi’s war.”
U.S. alleges India’s oil trade funds Kremlin
The Trump administration has been pressing nations to comply with a $60-per-barrel price cap on Russian oil, set by the G7 to limit Moscow’s revenues while keeping global markets stable.
However, India has emerged as one of Russia’s top buyers since the start of the war, taking advantage of steep discounts. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has previously accused Indian elites of profiteering from these purchases, further inflaming tensions.
India defends energy security
New Delhi has consistently defended its oil imports from Russia, citing energy security, affordability and national sovereignty. Officials argue that the U.S. tariffs are “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” noting that India’s per-capita energy consumption remains among the lowest globally.
While purchases of Russian crude have reportedly dipped slightly under U.S. pressure, India has refused to commit to a complete halt.
Navarro’s remarks draw sharp reactions
Navarro’s assertion that India is acting “arrogant” and his call for New Delhi to “act like the biggest democracy in the world” have sparked widespread debate in diplomatic circles. Observers warn that the language used risks worsening relations between Washington and one of its key strategic partners in Asia.
What lies ahead?
Trade and diplomatic negotiations are expected to intensify in the coming weeks, with U.S. officials hinting at further measures if India does not scale back its Russian crude purchases. Meanwhile, Indian authorities are likely to push back, framing the dispute as a matter of sovereignty and economic necessity.