Trump Aide Blames India for Fueling Ukraine War
In a bizarre and sharp escalation of rhetoric, White House adviser Peter Navarro has labeled the conflict in Ukraine "Modi’s war," directly blaming India’s continued purchase of Russian oil for fueling the conflict. The comments came as the new, steep 50% US tariff on Indian goods officially took effect.
Peter Navarro
An Offer Tied to a Threat
Speaking in a television interview, Navarro laid out a stark choice for New Delhi. He stated that India could get an immediate 25% reduction in the newly imposed tariffs if it simply "stops buying Russian oil and helps to feed the war machine." He expressed frustration with India's position, describing its stance on sovereignty and trade as "arrogant."
Path to Peace "Runs Through New Delhi"
Navarro argued that India's actions have a direct and negative impact on American taxpayers. He claimed that by purchasing discounted Russian oil, India provides Moscow with the funds to continue its war, which in turn forces the US to provide more military aid to Ukraine. "The road to peace runs, in part, through New Delhi," he asserted, placing the responsibility for the ongoing conflict partially on India's shoulders.
This is not the first time Navarro has used such strong language. He recently dubbed India a "laundromat" for Russian oil, accusing it of profiting from refining the crude and selling it on. His latest remarks, however, are the most direct and provocative yet, creating a new and challenging dynamic in the already-strained trade relationship between the two countries.
