US Trade Adviser Accuses India of Kremlin Laundromat Role Amid Russia-Ukraine Conflict

White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro has accused India of acting as a "laundromat for the Kremlin" by purchasing discounted Russian oil, refining it, and selling the products at a premium globally, thereby profiting while perpetuating the war in Ukraine. Navarro contends that India does not need the Russian oil, as its imports from Russia have surged from nearly zero before the 2022 Ukraine invasion to about 35% of its oil needs now, describing the arrangement as a "refining profit-sharing scheme." He criticized India for not recognizing its role in the conflict and for "cosying up" to Chinese President Xi Jinping, while also calling India’s tariff policies harmful to American workers and businesses. Despite his criticism, Navarro praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a great leader and urged India to reconsider its actions, emphasizing that "the road to peace runs through New Delhi." Indian officials, including Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, have defended their energy ties with Russia, highlighting the need to stabilize global energy markets. Meanwhile, some analysts view Navarro’s direct attacks as indicative of a personal rift between President Donald Trump and Modi, while others, including economist Jeffrey Sachs, have criticized the US tariffs on India as counterproductive to US foreign policy.