Peter Navarro, former White House trade adviser, caused widespread outrage today when he declared that India Prime Minister Narendra Modi is fuelling Russia-Ukraine hostilities by purchasing discounted Russian crude from Russian oil fields. Navarro claimed this dispute was “Modi’s War.” This allegation suggested Modi may be helping fuel it through his continued purchases of discounted oil from Russia.
Navarro leveled these allegations against India during an interview on Bloomberg Television, placing blame for the continuation of Ukraine conflict squarely on India’s energy policies. “India is contributing fuel to Russia and supporting Modi’s war machine,” he asserted, suggesting that “New Delhi could play an instrumental role in finding peace..” Historically speaking,
These remarks come amid a sharp increase in trade tensions: President Trump recently implemented a 50% tariff rate on Indian imports, nearly tripling the current 25% rate. Half of this increase is linked to India’s continuing purchases of Russian oil; according to Navarro, these tariffs would be reduced in half if India stops buying such imports (Wikipedia +9 The Washington Post +9 Axios =9)
Pressed for economic fallout from India’s actions, Navarro laid out an alarming scenario for American interests. Everyone loses because of what India is doing-consumers, businesses and workers-he said-accusing New Delhi of indirectly harming U.S. taxpayers by fueling war that necessitates increased American financial and military support, for which taxpayers must provide increased resources. Yahoo News Singapore; Washington Post | Independent.
This rhetoric marks a change in U.S. strategy; tariffs are being deployed as geopolitical pressure instruments rather than mere economic instruments, analysts warn this aggressive posturing may damage Washington and New Delhi’s traditional, longstanding relationship.The Guardian recently reported on these concerns.
India responded defiantly. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar called the tariffs “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” noting India’s right to secure affordable energy for 1.4 billion people. Additionally, he called attention to hypocrisy between U.S. tariffs targeting India but larger Russian oil buyers like China or EU nations are spared any trade penalties by Washington
India’s economic sectors such as furniture, textiles and gems are at the front lines of a trade war that threatens global commerce. According to The Global Trade Research Initiative’s warning, severe damage will ensue for these labor intensive industries unless trade disputes can be settled quickly, The Washington Post reported.
While diplomatic tensions increase, India continues to advance its “Make in India” push while maintaining strong energy ties with Russia despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi preparing to visit China after seven years – seen by analysts as potentially strategic move amid U.S. pressure, according to Financial Times sources.
As bilateral relations deteriorate, experts warn of further erosion in trust that could splinter cooperation across key areas, from defense to Indo-Pacific coordination frameworks like Quad. Bold trade moves combined with geopolitical messaging could quickly escalate tensions to become permanent ruptures.
As stated by Navarro during his interview, “the road to peace runs partially through New Delhi”–however whether that road leads toward reconciliation or deeper animosity remains to be seen.