Navarro Warns India to Act Like a Strategic Partner
Peter Navarro, senior trade adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, has warned India that it must behave like a genuine strategic partner if it wishes to be treated as one by Washington. Navarro criticized New Delhi’s decision to continue importing large volumes of discounted Russian crude oil, calling it “opportunistic” and inconsistent with the expectations of a U.S. ally. His statement highlights growing unease within the Trump administration over India’s balancing act between Washington, Moscow, and Beijing.
Tariff Measures Raise Tensions
The criticism comes soon after the United States imposed heavy tariffs on Indian goods. A base duty of 25 percent was followed by an additional 25 percent penalty linked specifically to India’s crude purchases from Russia, effectively raising the tariff burden to 50 percent. Navarro underlined that such measures were intended to send a clear message: strategic partnerships demand alignment in both policy and practice.
India Defends Its Position
India’s Ministry of External Affairs rejected the suggestion that it was being unfairly targeted. Officials argued that other major economies, including members of the European Union, still purchase Russian oil but face no such punitive action. They stressed that India follows a policy of strategic autonomy, purchasing energy where it best serves national interests while still expanding defense and economic ties with the U.S.
Strain on Strategic Ties
Experts believe these developments mark one of the sharpest downturns in India–U.S. relations in recent years. While both sides continue to stress dialogue and cooperation, the clash over oil imports and tariffs may cast a shadow on the long-term stability of their strategic
