White House Adviser Blames India Russian Oil Imports Fueling Ukraine Conflict

White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro has controversially labeled the Russia-Ukraine conflict as “Modi’s war,” blaming India for perpetuating the conflict through its purchase of discounted Russian crude oil. Navarro argues that India’s continued oil imports from Russia fund Moscow’s war effort, thereby increasing American economic burdens, including high tariffs on Indian goods which cost US jobs, factories, and wages. He suggested the US could reduce the 50% tariffs imposed on Indian exports to 25% if India halts its crude oil purchases from Russia, emphasizing that the path to peace partially depends on New Delhi’s actions. Navarro expressed frustration with India's high tariffs and asserted that American taxpayers are indirectly funding the war through India’s purchases. Despite acknowledging Indian Prime Minister Modi as a great leader, Navarro criticized India's stance on tariff sovereignty and its refusal to stop buying Russian oil. This rhetoric coincides with the recent imposition of steep tariffs on Indian exports, particularly affecting labor-intensive sectors, as a measure to pressure India to reconsider its energy sourcing.