Trump Adviser Labels Russia-Ukraine Conflict as “PM Modi’s War,” Links India to Moscow’s Oil Revenues

Hours after US President Donald Trump’s steep 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods came into force, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro sparked controversy by calling the Russia-Ukraine war “Modi’s war.” He argued that India’s continued import of discounted Russian crude oil is directly funding Moscow’s military campaign, and warned that New Delhi’s choices are undermining global peace.

In an interview with Bloomberg Television, Navarro said India could secure a 25 per cent tariff reduction “tomorrow” if it halts Russian oil purchases. “The road to peace runs, in part, through New Delhi,” he remarked, adding that Russia uses revenue from India’s energy imports to fuel its “war machine.”

Navarro also criticized India’s tariff structure, calling it the highest in the world, and said American workers and taxpayers are paying the price. According to him, India’s policies are causing job losses, lower wages, and higher costs in the US, while Washington is forced to increase aid to Ukraine. “Everybody in America loses because of what India is doing,” he said, accusing Indians of being “arrogant” about tariffs and sovereignty.

The newly imposed 50 per cent tariff—double the earlier 25 per cent duty—will impact more than half of Indian exports to the US, especially labor-intensive sectors such as textiles and jewellery, though critical industries like electronics and pharmaceuticals remain exempt.

Despite months of trade negotiations, Washington and New Delhi have failed to reach a breakthrough. India, meanwhile, has defended its Russian oil imports as essential to stabilizing domestic energy markets, arguing that the US measures are “unjustified.” Analysts note that India only became a major buyer of Russian crude after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, when Western sanctions and the G7’s $60-per-barrel price cap created opportunities for discounted purchases.