The United States has accused India of serving as a global clearing house for Russian oil, urging New Delhi to stop buying discounted crude from Moscow. White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said that India’s oil imports are indirectly financing the Russia-Ukraine war, adding that India is now “aligned with both Russia and China.”
In an op-ed for the Financial Times, Navarro warned, “If India wants to be treated as a U.S. strategic partner, it has to start acting like one.”
India Defends Oil Purchases Amid Western Sanctions
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has repeatedly defended its decision to buy Russian crude oil, arguing that New Delhi is being unfairly criticized while both the United States and the European Union continue trade with Russia in other sectors.
Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump raised tariffs on Indian goods by an additional 25 percent, citing India’s ongoing Russian oil imports. The move brought total U.S. tariffs on Indian exports to 50 percent, escalating tensions in U.S.-India trade relations.
Washington Warns of Military Risks
Navarro also raised concerns about the transfer of advanced U.S. military technology to India, saying it could be risky because New Delhi is “increasingly aligned with both Russia and China.”
India Strengthens Ties With China
Amid Washington’s pressure, India and China appear to be strengthening their diplomatic engagement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month, while Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is visiting New Delhi to discuss the long-standing border dispute.
U.S.-India Trade Talks Canceled
Planned U.S.-India trade negotiations, scheduled for August 25–29, have been canceled. Sources confirmed that hopes for tariff relief have faded after Washington imposed additional duties on August 27, putting further strain on the ec
