Tensions remain high in US-India relations, as American diplomat and advisor to Trump, Peter Navarro, has made sharp remarks about India. He has labeled India as a 'laundering machine' for Russia. He said that in just six days, secondary tariffs will be imposed on India.
Navarro criticized the notion that India needs Russian oil. He accused New Delhi of refining profiteering and called it a self-serve laundromat for Russian oil.
Speaking to reporters, Navarro remarked, "It's nonsense that India needs Russian oil." He warned that the deadline to double tariffs on India's acquisition of crude oil from Moscow—set by President Donald Trump on August 27—is unlikely to be extended.
No Exemptions on 50 Percent Tariffs
Navarro emphasized, "In just six days, you'll see secondary tariffs being implemented on August 27. It seems like India doesn't want to acknowledge its part in this bloodshed, yet that's exactly what's happening. India is cozying up to Xi Jinping, and that's their current trajectory."
India as 'Laundry Machine' for Russia
On Thursday, Navarro claimed that New Delhi is purchasing low-cost crude oil from Russia, refining it, and selling it at premium rates worldwide, acting like a laundering machine for the Kremlin.
Long-time ally of Trump, Navarro pointed out that Indian refineries are profiting from fueling the war. He argued, "They don't need the oil—this is a scheme for refining profiteering."
Further, Navarro highlighted, "India earns money by selling goods to us and uses that money to purchase Russian oil, which is then processed in refineries, generating significant profits. But then, the Russians use this money to produce more weapons and to continue the assault on Ukrainians, leaving American taxpayers to bear the cost of providing military assistance to the Ukrainians. It's madness."
India: 'Maharaja' of Tariffs
Navarro described India's tariffs as those of a 'maharaja.' He noted, "They have high tariffs, maharaja tariffs, and high non-tariff barriers, leading to a large trade deficit, harming American workers and businesses. They then use money earned by selling goods to us to buy Russian oil, which is processed in refineries making huge profits."
Navarro quipped, "The road to peace in Ukraine runs through New Delhi." He urged India to stop giving Moscow an economic lifeline.
Navarro emphasized, "President Trump sees this chessboard opportunity with exceptional clarity, and it's important for everyone to document this."
Diplomat Peter Navarro's comments come as India's Foreign Minister, Jaishankar, in Moscow, responds to US accusations regarding oil transactions one by one.
He noted, "We're a nation that has been repeatedly asked by the US over the years to stabilize the oil energy market, which includes buying oil from Russia. India's Foreign Minister reminded America that India is not the biggest buyer of Russian oil. Nor is India the top buyer of Russian LNG; that position belongs to China and Europe."
It's notable that from August 27, India is set to impose a 50 percent tariff on the US, a declaration recently made by President Trump.
