A top advisor to former U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply criticized India's relationship with both China and Russia, particularly focusing on India's continued purchase of Russian oil. Peter Navarro, who served as White House Trade Advisor, argues that India's actions are akin to being "in bed with authoritarians" and undermine global efforts to isolate Russia's economy amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Navarro's criticism centers on India's increasing reliance on Russian crude oil, which it buys at a discounted rate following Western sanctions against Moscow. He claims that India is acting as a "global clearinghouse for Russian oil," refining embargoed crude and exporting it as high-value products, thereby providing Russia with essential financial resources. He argues this dependence on Russian oil is "opportunistic and deeply corrosive of the world's efforts to isolate Putin's war economy".
The Trump administration has expressed its displeasure with India's stance through concrete actions. The U.S. recently imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, including a 25% tariff specifically targeting India's Russian oil purchases. This move is intended to penalize New Delhi for financially supporting Russia's war efforts.
Navarro also raised concerns about India's growing ties with China. He pointed out that India is "cozying up" to China, which he sees as a worrying trend. This criticism comes amidst ongoing border disputes between India and China, though recent talks have aimed to address these issues. Navarro suggests that these deepening relationships with Russia and China call into question India's commitment to being a strategic partner of the United States. "If India wants to be treated as a strategic partner of the U.S., it needs to start acting like one," Navarro stated.
India has defended its position by asserting that its energy procurement decisions are driven by national interest and market dynamics. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has countered the U.S. criticism by stating that the U.S. itself had asked India to help stabilize global energy markets by buying Russian oil. He also questioned the logic of a "pro-business American administration accusing other people of doing business". Despite the current tensions, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has expressed confidence in a future positive relationship between the two nations.
The situation presents a complex challenge for the U.S.-India relationship. The U.S. has historically viewed India as a strategic partner and a counterweight to China's growing influence in the region. However, India's independent foreign policy choices, particularly its economic ties with Russia, are testing the strength of this partnership. The imposition of tariffs and the strong rhetoric from the Trump administration signal a clear message that the U.S. expects India to align its policies more closely with Western efforts to isolate Russia. It remains to be seen how India will respond to this pressure and whether the two countries can find a way to bridge their differences.
