Navarro Criticizes India's Russian Oil Purchases

Former White House trade advisor Peter Navarro has intensified his criticism of India's continued purchase of Russian oil, alleging that it contributes to funding Russia's military operations in Ukraine. He went so far as to label the conflict "Modi's war," referring to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This escalation comes as the United States considers imposing additional sanctions or tariffs on India due to its trade relations with Russia. Navarro had previously called for doubling tariffs on India to 50%, claiming that Indian trade policies are unfair and harm the US economy.

Why is India buying Russian oil?

Since the start of the war in Ukraine, India has significantly increased its imports of Russian oil, taking advantage of the discounted prices offered by Moscow. India has justified this move by stating its need to secure affordable energy supplies to meet its growing economic needs.

India believes that its decision to buy Russian oil is in line with its national interests and that it is not obligated to comply with Western sanctions imposed on Russia. It maintains that it follows an independent foreign policy and assesses its trade relations based on its own interests.

Potential Repercussions for US-India Relations

The ongoing dispute over Russian oil could strain relations between the United States and India, which are key strategic partners. The United States could impose sanctions or tariffs on India, which could negatively impact trade and investment between the two countries.

However, a complete breakdown in US-India relations is unlikely. The two countries have many common interests, including combating terrorism and promoting regional stability. Both sides are likely to seek compromises to avoid escalating tensions.

It's also worth noting that Russian oil hasn't been sanctioned. In fact, the U.S. previously encouraged countries to purchase it at a capped price to limit Russia's oil revenue while maintaining market stability.