Peter Navarro Blasts India Over Russian Oil Tariff Stance
U.S. trade adviser Peter Navarro launched a strong attack on India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. Speaking to reporters, he called India the “Maharaja of tariffs” and accused New Delhi of running a “profiteering scheme” at the cost of global stability. Navarro made it clear that Washington would go ahead with its planned punitive tariffs unless India changes its approach.
The Tariff Escalation
The U.S. has already imposed a 25% reciprocal tariff on Indian imports. Navarro confirmed that an additional 25% penalty—linked specifically to Russian oil purchases—would soon be enforced. Once combined, Indian exports to the U.S. could face a total tariff burden of 50%. He insisted that the measure is intended to pressure New Delhi into reducing its reliance on Moscow for energy supplies.
India’s Response and Position
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar questioned the fairness of Washington’s stance. He pointed out that India is not the largest buyer of Russian oil, highlighting that China remains a far bigger consumer. Jaishankar also noted that European countries and even the U.S. itself continue trading with Russia in various forms, making the singling out of India difficult to justify. He emphasized that India’s oil imports are driven by national energy security needs, not by opportunism.
Strategic and Economic Impact
The sharp rhetoric from Navarro comes at a sensitive time for India-U.S. relations, already under stress over trade disagreements. Analysts warn that the tariff escalation could complicate broader strategic cooperation, especially in the Indo-Pacific. India, however, appears determined to continue diversifying its energy supplies while defending its economic choices as a matter of sovereignty and stability.
