Peter Navarro criticizes India’s Russian oil purchases, warns of 50% US tariffs amid rising trade tensions
Trump Trade Advisor’s Strong Criticism of India’s Russian Oil Trade
US President Donald Trump’s trade adviser, Peter Navarro, has sharply attacked India for continuing to import Russian crude oil despite US sanctions. Calling India the “Maharaja of tariffs,” Navarro accused New Delhi of running a “profiteering scheme” by buying discounted Russian oil and exporting refined products at a premium.
- The US has imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports linked to its Russian energy ties.
- Navarro expects the punitive tariffs to increase to 50% starting August 27.
Navarro’s Key Points on India’s Russian Oil Imports
- India’s share of Russian oil imports jumped from less than 2% before the Ukraine invasion to 35% in 2024-25.
- He claims India doesn’t need the oil but uses it as a “laundromat for the Kremlin” to fund the war in Ukraine.
- India is accused of buying cheap Russian crude, refining it, and selling products at higher prices in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
- Navarro says this amounts to profiteering by the Indian refining industry.
- He also highlighted trade imbalances, calling Indian tariffs and barriers harmful to American businesses and workers.
India’s Response: Defending Its Energy Policy and Friendship With Russia
- During a recent Moscow visit, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar expressed perplexity at US criticism.
- Jaishankar pointed out that the US had previously encouraged India to help stabilize global energy markets by buying Russian oil.
- India has reiterated its commitment to maintaining long-standing ties with Russia despite US pressure.
- India has also sought to ease tensions with China, agreeing to explore resolving their border disputes.
Trade and Diplomatic Fallout Between US and India
- The Trump administration’s tariffs have strained US-India trade relations.
- The 50% tariff on Indian goods is one of the highest imposed on any country.
- Navarro accused India of cozying up to China even as New Delhi tries to improve relations with Beijing.
- China’s ambassador to India reaffirmed support for India on trade fairness and multilateralism.
Background: India’s Growing Reliance on Russian Oil
- After Western sanctions on Russia following the Ukraine invasion, India turned to discounted Russian oil.
- Russia’s share in India’s oil imports rose sharply from 1.7% in 2019-20 to 35.1% in 2024-25, making it India’s largest oil supplier.
- The US claims these purchases indirectly fund Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine.
Summary
- Peter Navarro labels India the “Maharaja of tariffs” and slams its Russian oil trade.
- The US plans to enforce 50% tariffs on Indian imports linked to Russian oil.
- India defends its energy policy and longstanding friendship with Russia.
- US-India trade relations face increasing tensions amid geopolitical complexities.
The escalating trade tensions between the US and India over Russian oil imports highlight the complex balance between geopolitics and economic interests. While the US pushes for stricter sanctions and tariffs, India remains steadfast in its energy strategy and diplomatic ties, signaling a challenging path ahead for bilateral relations.
Also Read : “Silence Only Empowers the Bully”: Chinese Envoy Slams US Tariffs, Calls for Stronger India-China Unity
