Two senior advisers to US President Donald Trump have openly criticised India for continuing to buy oil from Russia during the Ukraine war. In an interview with Bloomberg Television’s Balance of Power, Trump’s trade adviser Peter Navarro went so far as to blame Prime Minister Narendra Modi for prolonging the conflict.

“Everyone in America loses because India buys oil from Russia,” Navarro said, arguing that American taxpayers were indirectly funding the war. When the anchor reminded him that Russia started the war, Navarro snapped back: “No, I mean Modi’s war!”

He accused India of being “arrogant” about its oil purchases and added, “India, you’re the biggest democracy in the world. Act like one!”

Navarro has previously referred to India as the “maharaja of tariffs” and claimed that New Delhi was resetting ties with China while ignoring Western concerns over Russia.

Kevin Hassett, another top Trump-era economic adviser, also shared Navarro’s criticism. He warned that India’s position on Russian oil could hurt relations with Washington. “If the Indians don’t budge, then President Trump is not going to either,” Hassett said.

He suggested that a tougher stance could follow, especially as higher tariffs on India are already in effect.

US tariffs on India

On July 31, Trump imposed fresh tariffs on several trading partners, citing a “national emergency.” India was hit with a 25 percent tariff, followed by another 25 percent specifically for buying Russian oil. Together, the new rules mean Indian goods now face a 50 per cent tariff in the US market.

Trump’s former press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, earlier claimed that such tariffs were meant to pressure Russia to end the war.

New Delhi has repeatedly defended its energy purchases, saying affordable fuel is vital for its 1.4 billion people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also urged citizens to support local businesses. In a recent speech, he asked shopkeepers to put up boards declaring they sell only “swadeshi” products and appealed to people to buy Made in India goods during the festive season.

He stressed that his government “won’t compromise” on the interests of farmers and small businesses, despite global pressure.

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