Peter Navarro accuses India of fueling Russia’s war economy and urges stronger US trade penalties.
Trump Adviser Accuses India of Fueling Russia’s War Effort
Former US President Donald Trump’s trade adviser, Peter Navarro, has launched a sharp critique of India, claiming it is using US dollars to buy Russian oil and indirectly financing the Ukraine war. Navarro tied his argument to rising tensions over tariffs and trade imbalances, suggesting India is strategically benefitting at the cost of global security.
The “India-Russia Oil Mathematics” Explained
Navarro laid out his case in a detailed post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He alleged:
- American consumers buy Indian goods, generating large dollar inflows to India.
- Those dollars are then used to purchase discounted Russian crude oil.
- Indian refiners, along with what he called “silent Russian partners,” refine and export the oil, creating major profits.
- Meanwhile, Russia receives hard currency, which Navarro claims goes straight into Putin’s war chest.
“India is laundering Russian oil and making billions, while Ukraine bleeds,” Navarro alleged.
Sharp Rise in Russian Oil Imports
Navarro highlighted how India’s oil sourcing has changed:
- Before 2022, Russian oil made up less than 1% of India’s imports.
- Now, it exceeds 30%, with India importing over 1.5 million barrels per day.
- Over 1 million barrels per day in refined petroleum are exported globally from India, according to Navarro.
He argued this is not about energy needs but profit-driven trade, accusing India’s energy sector of becoming a “laundromat for Kremlin oil.”
Tariffs as a Policy Weapon
Navarro called for a 50% tariff on Indian goods:
- 25% for unfair trade practices
- 25% for national security concerns
He insisted this is a direct response to India’s role in global oil trade, urging the US to act decisively.
“If India wants to be seen as a true strategic partner, it must act like one,” he said.
India’s Justification & Global Context
India has repeatedly defended its oil deals with Russia:
- It argues that low-cost imports help stabilize domestic fuel prices.
- India has abided by the G7 price cap mechanism, ensuring global oil supply isn’t disrupted.
- Officials note that China imports more Russian oil but hasn’t faced equivalent pressure from the US.
Controversial Rhetoric: Racial Undertones Spark Criticism
Navarro also posted a photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi meditating in saffron robes with the caption:
“The road to peace in Ukraine runs through New Delhi.”
This drew backlash online, with critics accusing Navarro of racial profiling and politicizing religion for geopolitical messaging.
Weapons Trade & Strategic Double Standards?
Navarro escalated the issue by pointing out that:
- India continues to buy Russian weapons, even while demanding US military tech transfers.
- He labeled this behavior “strategic freeloading,” saying it undercuts US interests.
Blaming Biden, Backing Trump
Navarro blamed the Biden administration for overlooking India’s rising imports and maintaining a soft stance.
He argued that Donald Trump, if re-elected, would take a firmer position against trade imbalances and nations that “enable America’s adversaries.”
A Geopolitical Flashpoint
Peter Navarro’s renewed attack puts India in the spotlight ahead of the 2024 US presidential election and amid shifting global alliances. While India maintains that its oil imports are legal and necessary, Navarro’s rhetoric underscores deepening divisions in US-India trade and strategic expectations.
“Using US dollars to buy Russian oil isn’t just trade — it’s geopolitics,” he said.
As the global landscape shifts amidst geopolitical tensions, Peter Navarro’s fiery remarks signal a possible hardening of U.S. policy toward India—particularly if Donald Trump returns to the White House. While India defends its energy strategy as pragmatic and essential, critics in Washington are raising alarms about its wider implications.
With U.S.-India relations at a delicate crossroads, the debate over trade, oil, and diplomacy is far from over. How both nations respond in the coming months could shape not just bilateral ties, but the broader global balance in the post-Ukraine war era.
