Peter Navarro Accuses India of Fueling Conflict
White House trade adviser Peter Navarro sparked a diplomatic storm on August 27 by calling the Ukraine conflict “Modi’s war.” In a television interview, Navarro alleged that India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian crude oil was indirectly funding Moscow’s military campaign. He argued that the revenue Russia earns from these energy sales is being used to sustain its operations in Ukraine.
U.S. Tariffs Double Amid Growing Frustration
Navarro’s remarks coincided with U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to double tariffs on Indian goods, raising them from 25% to 50%. Navarro tied the punitive trade move directly to India’s energy choices, saying Washington could roll back tariffs by 25% if New Delhi stopped importing Russian oil. He stressed that American manufacturers and taxpayers were “losing because of what India is doing,” adding that U.S. funds had to be redirected to cover Ukraine’s defense while India kept purchasing Russian crude.
Sovereignty and Responsibility Debate
India has consistently defended its right to buy oil based on national interest and energy security. Navarro, however, dismissed this stance as “arrogance,” insisting that the world’s largest democracy has a responsibility to act in line with global stability. By framing the conflict as “Modi’s war,” he directly linked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to prolonging the war in Ukraine, intensifying diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Rising Strain in U.S.–India Relations
The comments come at a time when India–U.S. trade talks are already stalled. Analysts warn that such public criticism, paired with steep tariffs, risks pushing India closer to its BRICS partners, particularly Russia and China. The fallout may also affect strategic cooperation in platforms like the Quad, where Washington has sought India’s stronger alignment against China. The episode marks one of the sharpest downturns in U.S.–India relations in recent years.
