White House trade advisor Peter Navarro has strongly criticized India's continued purchase of Russian oil, accusing the country of acting as a "laundromat for the Kremlin" and thereby prolonging the conflict in Ukraine. Navarro's statements come as punitive tariffs of 50% on imports from India are expected to take effect next week.
Navarro argues that India's need for Russian oil is "nonsense," suggesting that the country is primarily engaged in a "refining profiteering scheme". He claims that Indian refiners are exploiting the situation by purchasing discounted Russian crude, refining it, and selling it at premium prices. This, according to Navarro, allows Russia to fund its war efforts, while American taxpayers are burdened with providing aid to Ukraine.
"They don't need the oil. It's a refining profit sharing scheme. It's a laundromat for the Kremlin. That's the reality of that," Navarro stated. He further added, "India uses the money that they get from us when they sell us stuff to buy Russian oil, which then is processed by refiners, and they make a bunch of money there. But then the Russians use the money to build more arms and kill Ukrainians, and so American taxpayers have to provide more aid, military style, to the Ukrainians. So that's insane".
Navarro also criticized India's geopolitical alignment, stating that the country is "cosying up to Xi Jinping". He suggested that India does not appear to recognize its role in the ongoing bloodshed in Ukraine. Despite his criticism, Navarro expressed admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging India to reconsider its role in the global economy and contribute to creating peace rather than perpetuating the war. "Look, Modi is a great leader. But please, please India, like, look at what your role here is in the global economy and good here. It's like, what you're doing right now is not creating peace, it's perpetuating the war," Navarro said.
The impending 50% tariffs on Indian goods are expected to be among the highest imposed on any country's products. Navarro indicated that President Trump is unlikely to extend the August 27 deadline for these tariffs, which serve as punishment for India's continued purchase of Russian crude. He also pointed out that India has higher tariffs and non-tariff barriers, leading to a massive trade deficit with the United States, which hurts American workers and businesses. "They have higher tariffs, Maharaja tariffs, higher non-tariff barriers. We run a massive trade deficit with them, so that hurts American workers, hurts American businesses," he said.
India has significantly increased its oil imports from Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This surge followed the Group of Seven nations imposing a $60-per-barrel price cap on Moscow's crude, aimed at limiting the Kremlin's energy revenue. Despite the international pressure, India has maintained its long-standing friendship with Russia and has recently moved to ease tensions with regional rival China.
Navarro concluded by stating that the "road to peace runs through New Delhi," urging India to cease providing Moscow with an economic lifeline.
