US Trade Adviser Peter Navarro Criticises India over Tariffs and Russian Oil

Strategic Insights -

In a recent interview with Fox News, Peter Navarro, the White House Trade Adviser, made several comments critical of India, including accusing Indian elites of exploiting ordinary citizens and labeling India a "Maharajah of tariffs". He also claimed that India's tariff policies are fueling the Russian war machine, resulting in more US taxpayer money being sent to Ukraine for defense. Navarro further criticized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy, stating that he could not understand why Modi was "getting into bed with Putin and Xi Jinping when he's the leader of the biggest democracy in the world."

Key Takeaways:

  • Navarro accused Indian elites of exploiting ordinary citizens, stating that Brahmins are "profiteering at the expense of the Indian people".
  • He labelled India a "Maharajah of tariffs", stating that the country has exceptionally high tariffs on foreign goods, which led to a 25% US tariff in response.
  • Navarro claimed that India's tariff policies are fueling the Russian war machine, resulting in more US taxpayer money being sent to Ukraine for defense.
  • He criticized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy, stating that he could not understand why Modi was "getting into bed with Putin and Xi Jinping when he's the leader of the biggest democracy in the world".
  • Navarro noted that India, along with China, has become a major buyer of Russian oil, with Russia giving India a discount on crude oil.
  • He claimed that Indian oil companies refine Russian oil and ship it to Europe, Africa, and Asia at a big premium, making a ton of money from the trade.
  • Navarro stated that the US tariffs on India, 25% as reciprocal measures and an additional 25% due to oil purchases from Russia, were necessary to counterbalance trade imbalances and geopolitical risks.

Statistics:

  • 25% of US tariffs on India are in response to exceptionally high tariffs on foreign goods.
  • 25% of US tariffs on India are due to oil purchases from Russia.
  • India has imported small amounts of Russian crude before the Ukraine war, but increased its imports significantly after the invasion.
  • Russia gave India a discount on crude oil, allowing Indian oil companies to refine and export it at a big premium.
  • The US tariffs on India are equivalent to 50% of the total tariff imposed.
  • China faces a little over 50% tariffs from the US, similar to the US tariffs on India.

Sources:

  • Fox News interview with Peter Navarro
  • Indian National Press (Bombay) Pvt. Ltd. article dated 2025
  • Contify.com article dated 2025