White House trade adviser Peter Navarro has urged India to halt imports of Russian crude oil. He said these purchases indirectly fund Moscow’s war in Ukraine. Navarro also criticized India for strengthening ties with Russia and China, despite its growing relationship with the United States.
India’s Role in Russian Oil Trade
In an opinion piece for the Financial Times, Navarro wrote that India acts as a hub for Russian oil. He said it converts embargoed crude into high-value exports, giving Moscow vital revenue.
Navarro called India’s dependence on Russian oil “opportunistic” and harmful to global efforts to isolate Putin’s war economy.
India is the second-largest buyer of Russian oil, after China. Over 30% of India’s fuel comes from Moscow. This continues to generate revenue for Russia despite Western sanctions.
US-India Trade Tensions
Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods. The move was linked to India’s Russian oil purchases and has increased trade tensions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded by pledging to protect Indian farmers. He said India will not compromise its national interests.
Defense and Strategic Partnerships
India has strong defense ties with Russia, importing weapons like the S-400 missile system. At the same time, it maintains a strategic partnership with the US.
Annual US-India trade totals $128 billion, but talks for a free trade agreement are stalled over high tariffs.
Navarro warned that India’s growing closeness to Russia and China makes it risky to share advanced US military technology. He urged India to act as a reliable strategic partner.
India Defends Its Position
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the country is being unfairly singled out. The ministry noted that the US and EU continue major trade with Russia.
For example, the EU imported $77.9 billion of Russian goods in 2024, while US-Russia trade was $5.2 billion. India’s purchases are comparatively smaller.
Ongoing Trade Negotiations
A planned US trade mission to India from August 25–29 has been postponed. This delays progress on a proposed free trade agreement.
The postponement highlights the challenge of balancing economic cooperation with strategic diplomacy.
Key Points:
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India’s oil trade with Russia under US scrutiny
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India is the second-largest buyer of Russian crude
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US accuses India of financing Russia’s war in Ukraine
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Trade tensions rise with 50% tariffs on Indian goods
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India defends its sovereign trade decisions
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US-India FTA talks delayed
