White House Trade Advisor Peter Novarro has referred to the Russia-Ukraine conflict as “PM Modi’s war,” criticising India for purchasing discounted crude oil from Moscow.
White House Trade Advisor Peter Novarro has referred to the Russia-Ukraine conflict as “PM Modi’s war,” criticising India for purchasing discounted crude oil from Moscow.
In an interview with Bloomberg, Mr. Novarro blamed India for being the reason behind the U.S. and Europe funding Ukraine against Russia’s aggression.
“Ukraine comes to us and Europe and says give us more money (for its war). Everybody in America loses because of what India is doing. Consumers and businesses lose, workers lose because India’s high tariffs cause jobs, income and higher wages. The taxpayer lose because we got to fund Modi’s war.” Mr. Novarro told Bloomberg.
He added, “The road to peace runs at least partly through New Delhi. The White House trade advisor further termed India “arrogant” over prioritising its energy needs and advised it to “side with democracies.”
“The Indians are so arrogant about this. They say we don’t have higher tariffs. It’s our sovereignty. We can buy oil from anyone we want. India, you’re the biggest democracy in the world. Okay? Act like one. Side with the democracies,” Mr. Navarro said.
Mr. Navarro further attacked India for smoothening its ties with China, with Moscow and Beijing, whom he labelled as “authoritarians.”
“You’re getting in bed with the authoritarians. China, you’ve been at quiet war with them for decades. They invaded Aksai Chin and all your territory. These are not your friends, folks. Okay? And the Russians, I mean, come on,” Mr. Navarro told Bloomberg.
Mr. Navarro’s remarks come after the 50% tariffs on Indian goods imposed by the Donald Trump administration came into force on Wednesday (August 27, 2025)
Published – August 28, 2025 08:49 am IST
