Ukraine conflict is 'Modi's war': Trump's adviser hits out at India for buying Russian oil

White House trade adviser Peter Navarro has sparked sharp controversy by labeling the Ukraine conflict as “Modi’s war,” blaming India’s continued purchase of Russian oil for Moscow’s military gains and increasing pressure on American taxpayers.

Speaking to Bloomberg TV, Navarro coupled praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi with some of his sharpest criticism yet of New Delhi’s policies.

“Modi’s a great leader. This is a mature democracy with intelligent people running it. And yet, they look us bald-faced in the eye and deny they have the highest tariffs in the world, when in fact they do,” said Navarro.

According to Navarro, American citizens are footing the bill for India’s choices.

“When India buys Russian oil at a discount, refines it, and resells it at a premium, Russia uses the proceeds to fund its war machine and kill more Ukrainians. Then Ukraine turns to us and Europe for more money. So everybody in America loses — consumers, businesses, workers — and taxpayers most of all, because we end up funding Modi’s war,” he argued.

As a counterproposal, Navarro suggested the US could slash tariffs on Indian goods by 25 per cent if New Delhi halts its imports of Russian crude.

But he insisted India’s current course strengthens Moscow. “I mean Modi's war, because the road to peace runs in part through New Delhi,” he said.

Navarro’s remarks come at a time of deepening rift in US-India relations, with Washington recently doubling tariffs on Indian exports to 50 per cent, citing both trade imbalances and New Delhi's energy ties with Moscow. Planned negotiations have stalled, with both sides hardening their positions.

Meanwhile, Indian officials have maintained that energy imports from Russia are essential for affordability and national interest.

New Delhi has also argued that the US and Europe continue to buy Russian-linked commodities, undermining the moral case against its purchases.