Trump adviser Peter Navarro has sharply criticized India’s oil trade with Russia, calling it a major threat to global security amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Navarro went so far as to describe the conflict as “Modi’s war,” saying that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policies directly help fund Russia’s military operations. According to Navarro, the money India spends on Russian crude flows straight into President Vladimir Putin’s “war chest.”
He has urged the United States to impose tariffs on India’s oil trade with Russia. Navarro argues these tariffs would not only address unfair trade practices but also cut off a key financial lifeline for Moscow. He has proposed a 50% tariff—25% aimed at punishing unfair trade, and another 25% tied to national security concerns. Sharing his views on social media platform X, Navarro posted a photo of Modi meditating with the caption, “The road to peace in Ukraine runs through New Delhi,” stressing that India must reconsider its choices if it wants to be treated as a reliable U.S. ally.
India’s imports of Russian crude have skyrocketed since the war began. Before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russian oil accounted for less than 1% of India’s imports. Today, it makes up more than 30%, with India importing over 1.5 million barrels daily. Navarro insists this shift is deeply problematic. He claims India is using U.S. consumer dollars—earned from a $50 billion trade surplus with Washington—to purchase discounted Russian oil, refine it, and sell it worldwide, enriching both Indian companies and the Kremlin. “While the United States pays to arm Ukraine, India bankrolls Russia,” Navarro declared.
He further argued that India’s high tariffs on U.S. goods make it difficult for American companies to sell into the Indian market, creating an unfair trade imbalance. At the same time, Indian refiners, often working with Russian partners, process cheap crude and export the refined oil to Europe, Africa, and Asia. Navarro branded this practice “money laundering” for Russia, a process that undermines international efforts to weaken Moscow’s war economy.
For its part, India defends its actions by saying that buying discounted Russian oil helps stabilize domestic energy prices and shields its economy from global volatility. Officials in New Delhi argue that such imports are essential during a period of widespread energy insecurity. But critics like Navarro say that these justifications cannot outweigh the consequences for global security.
The issue reflects larger geopolitical shifts since the Ukraine invasion. Western nations, including the Group of Seven, introduced a $60-per-barrel price cap on Russian oil to limit Moscow’s revenue without destabilizing global supplies. India’s growing purchases fall within these rules but remain controversial, especially among U.S. policymakers who see them as undercutting sanctions.
Navarro accused the Biden administration of ignoring the problem and insisted that a future Trump administration would take tougher action. His message is clear: India must weigh its energy needs against the international push for peace and stability. The outcome of these choices could significantly shape India’s relations with the U.S. and other world powers in the years ahead.
