US Imposes 50% Tariffs on Indian Goods as Adviser Labels Russia-Ukraine Conflict 'Modi’s War'
Peter Navarro calls the Russia-Ukraine war 'Modi’s war' amid US tariffs on Indian imports, intensifying tensions between Washington and Delhi.
The US has imposed a 50% tariff on a range of Indian imports, including oil and defence equipment, accusing New Delhi of unwarranted trade barriers and purchasing Russian resources that fund the war in Ukraine.
Escalating Trade Dispute
The duties, among the highest globally, target goods from textiles to seafood. They also include a 25% surcharge specifically on oil and weapons imported from Russia. Washington claims these purchases help finance Moscow’s military campaign in Ukraine.
India rejects the measures as unfair and insists it will continue sourcing the cheapest energy options to protect the interests of its 1.4 billion citizens. Since February 2022, Russian crude has grown from under 2% to about 35–40% of India’s oil imports, making Russia its largest supplier.
White House Adviser’s Remarks
In a Bloomberg TV interview, US Trade Adviser Peter Navarro described the conflict as “Modi’s war”, arguing that Indian tariffs and energy deals cost American jobs and revenue. When pressed, Navarro said the path to peace “runs, in part, through New Delhi.”
He also criticised India’s refusal to cut tariffs, calling the stance arrogant for the world’s largest democracy.
Looking Ahead
Despite the sharp rhetoric and cancelled trade talks, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed confidence that bilateral ties will endure, noting the strategic importance of the US–India partnership in the Indo-Pacific.
India’s finance ministry is reviewing immediate steps to cushion the impact on exporters, while Prime Minister Modi has vowed tax cuts to offset the new levies.
Navarro warned that India’s oil purchases from Russia help fund the Ukraine war, and called on New Delhi to act responsibly as a leading democracy.
This topic was reported by BBC News.
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