American diplomat and Trump advisor Peter Navarro has made a startling statement regarding the recent oil agreements between India and Russia. He accused India of bolstering Russian aggression by purchasing discounted Russian oil, thus placing a heavy burden on American taxpayers.
Moreover, Navarro labeled the Russia-Ukraine conflict 'Modi's War,' cautioning that if India continues this policy, the U.S. will need to take a strong stance. He added that ceasing Russian oil purchases could grant India a 25% relief on U.S. tariffs.
In an interview on Bloomberg TV's Balance of Power, Navarro noted that India is not untouched, and the path to peace partially goes through India. His comments came when President Donald Trump applied a 50% tariff on goods from India as pressure to halt its Russian crude oil purchases, despite Western pressure.
Potential 25% Tariff Relief for India: Navarro
When asked if the U.S. is negotiating with India and can adjust the tariffs, Navarro stated, "It's quite straightforward. If India stops buying Russian oil, it can receive a 25% discount tomorrow. I'm surprised as Modi is a great leader. This (India) is a mature democracy, run by mature people."
Nvarro expressed frustration with India's tariff policy, stating, "What bothers me is the arrogance of the Indians. They claim to have no high tariffs. This is our sovereignty. We can buy oil from anyone."
Accusations of Supporting Russian War
Navarro claimed that by purchasing discounted oil from Russia, India is financially supporting Russia's war efforts. Russia uses this money to fund its war machinery, resulting in more Ukrainian casualties, and Americans across the board suffer from this. The effects are felt in the American economy as well.
He mentioned that consumers, businesses, and workers all end up losing due to India's high tariffs, which force us to lose jobs, factories, income, and higher wages. Plus, taxpayers lose out as we have to fund Modi's war.
Navarro added, "I call it Modi's war because the path to peace partially runs through India."
Similar Statement Made Last Week
It is noteworthy that last week, Navarro accused India of refinery profiteering, calling it a 'Laundromat' (self-service laundry) for Russian oil. He remarked, "India uses the money it earns from selling goods to us to purchase Russian oil. Refiners make profits there. But Russia uses that money to create more weapons and kill Ukrainians, prompting American taxpayers to provide more assistance and military aid. It’s insanity."
