Peter Navarro, a White House trade adviser, has once again attacked India’s foreign policy. This time, his remarks targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in China. Peter Navarro Criticizes India’s Relationship with Russia to underline what he sees as a troubling diplomatic direction.
Navarro told reporters that PM Modi’s actions were “shameful.” He argued India should align more with the United States, Europe, and Ukraine rather than strengthen ties with Russia. According to Navarro, India’s purchase of discounted crude oil from Moscow undermines global unity against authoritarian leaders.
His criticism grew sharper as he accused Modi of associating with “the two biggest authoritarian dictators in the world – Putin and Xi Jinping.” He added that such a move “doesn’t make sense” for the leader of the world’s largest democracy.
This was not the first time Navarro questioned Modi’s choices. Earlier, when Modi met Xi Jinping in Tianjin, Navarro described him as a “great leader” but expressed confusion over his closeness to Russia and China. He even urged Indian citizens to recognize how certain elites were profiteering “at the expense of the Indian people.”
The latest remarks came as tensions between Washington and New Delhi escalated over tariffs. The United States imposed heavy duties on Indian goods, including a 50 percent tariff and a 25 percent levy tied directly to Russian oil. These trade policies have placed additional strain on already fragile relations.
PM Modi, however, responded at the SCO by highlighting the importance of connectivity to boost trade and foster trust. He stressed that India has always believed stronger links between nations lead to growth and cooperation. His comments signaled an effort to focus on economic opportunities despite political pressures.
India’s economic contributions remain significant, with Punjab alone adding about 4.5% to agricultural output in 2022-23. At the same time, the Tricity region’s 1.5 million residents contribute to regional development. Yet challenges persist, as shown by India’s 63rd rank in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business index in 2020, despite gradual reforms.
Ultimately, Navarro’s comments expose growing unease between Washington and New Delhi. His sharp words may reflect deeper geopolitical rivalries rather than isolated disapproval. As India seeks to balance its global partnerships while ensuring economic stability, the direction taken by Modi’s government will shape long-term outcomes. Peter Navarro Criticizes India’s Relationship with Russia, emphasizing the fragile state of U.S.-India relations amid shifting alliances.
