“It’s Modi’s War”: Trump’s Trade Adviser Navarro Targets India Over Russian Oil

A day after US President Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, his trade adviser Peter Navarro accused India of fueling Russia’s war in Ukraine. Speaking to Bloomberg, Navarro said India could see a 25% tariff cut “tomorrow” if it stopped purchasing discounted Russian oil. He controversially called the conflict “Modi’s war,” arguing that New Delhi’s choices were funding Moscow’s “war machine.”

Navarro claimed India buys Russian crude at discounted prices, refines it, and resells it globally, indirectly financing the Ukraine war. He criticized India for denying that it imposes the world’s highest tariffs, calling its stance “arrogant.” According to him, high Indian tariffs hurt US businesses, workers, and taxpayers, while energy trade with Moscow undermines global peace.

The 50% tariff—double the previous 25% duty—affects over half of Indian exports to the US, including textiles and jewelry, though key sectors like electronics and pharmaceuticals are exempt. Navarro insisted peace depended on India halting Russian oil purchases, declaring, “The road of peace runs through New Delhi.”

India, however, has defended its imports as necessary to stabilize energy prices, dismissing the US’s move as unjustified. Despite repeated talks, New Delhi and Washington remain at an impasse, while critics argue China, another major buyer of Russian oil, has escaped similar US penalties.