Tensions are rising between India and the United States. Former US President Trump has been making various statements regarding India and Prime Minister Modi. Additionally, Trump imposed a 25 percent extra tariff on India, resulting in a total tariff burden of 50 percent, effective August 27. Peter Navarro, a White House advisor, commented on the US tariffs and how they could be reduced. He also labeled the Ukraine war as Modi’s war.
Navarro stated that the Russia-Ukraine war is PM Modi’s war. He said that India’s continuous purchase of Russian oil is promoting Moscow’s aggression. Furthermore, he claimed it burdens American taxpayers.
He suggested that if India stops buying Russian oil, it could receive a 25% reduction in US tariffs. However, India would first need to cease supporting the war effort.
In an interview on Bloomberg Television’s Balance of Power, Navarro mentioned the conflict’s impact on India, saying that the path to peace “somewhat passes through New Delhi.” Navarro’s remarks came as the 50% tariff imposed on Indian goods by Trump came into effect on Wednesday. Trump took this step in response to India’s oil purchases from Russia.
When asked how India’s tariffs could be reduced, the White House advisor said it was very easy. If India stopped buying Russian oil, it could get a 25% discount immediately.
He also stated, “I am surprised because Modi is a great leader. It is a mature democracy, and mature people are running it.” Navarro expressed disappointment at India’s stance on tariffs, adding, “What bothers me is that Indians are very arrogant about it. They say, ‘Hey, we don’t have a lot of tariffs. Hey, this is our sovereignty. We can buy oil from whomever we want.'”
Navarro accused India of boosting Moscow’s war efforts. He said, “By buying Russian oil at a discount, Russia uses the money to run its war machines and kill more Ukrainians.” He added, “Everyone in America is losing because of what India is doing.” He argued this impacts the American economy and affects every sector, as jobs, factories, incomes, and high salaries are dwindling due to India’s high tariffs.
He continued, “The money India earns by selling goods to us, it uses to buy Russian oil, which then refineries process and earn a lot of money, but then the Russians use this money to make more weapons and kill Ukrainians, so American taxpayers have to provide more military aid to Ukrainians. This is madness.”