White House trade advisor Peter Navarro has intensified criticism of India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian crude oil, labeling the ongoing Ukraine conflict as “PM Modi’s war.” In a recent Bloomberg interview, Navarro contended that India’s actions are undermining Western efforts to support Ukraine and are detrimental to American consumers and businesses. He accused India of exacerbating the financial burden on American taxpayers by indirectly funding Russia’s military actions through its oil purchases. “Ukraine comes to us and Europe and says give us more money (for its war). Everybody in America loses because of what India is doing,” Navarro stated. “The taxpayer loses because we got to fund Modi’s war.”
Navarro also criticized India’s trade policies, describing them as “arrogant” and accusing the country of prioritizing its energy needs over global democratic values. He urged India to align more closely with democratic nations, stating, “India, you’re the biggest democracy in the world. Okay? Act like one. Side with the democracies.”
These remarks come amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and India. On August 27, 2025, the U.S. government imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, effective immediately. This move is part of a broader strategy to pressure India into ceasing its Russian oil imports, which have been a significant source of revenue for Moscow amid ongoing sanctions.Despite these pressures, India has maintained its stance, citing the need to secure affordable energy supplies for its growing economy.
The U.S. has intensified pressure on India to cease its Russian oil imports, which have been a significant source of revenue for Moscow amid ongoing sanctions. Despite these pressures, India has maintained its stance, citing the need to secure affordable energy supplies for its growing economy.
Navarro’s comments reflect the broader geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and India, as both nations navigate their respective interests in a complex global landscape. While the U.S. seeks to isolate Russia economically, India continues to engage with Moscow, balancing its energy needs with its foreign policy objectives.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how these tensions will affect U.S.-India relations and the broader international response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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