‘This is Modi’s War’: White House Adviser Peter Navarro Links India to Ukraine Conflict

In a sharp escalation of rhetoric, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro has directly linked India to the Ukraine conflict, labelling it “Modi’s war” and claiming that New Delhi’s purchase of discounted Russian oil is fueling Moscow’s aggression and burdening American taxpayers. The inflammatory remarks came as a steep 50% US tariff on Indian goods took effect, a move explicitly designed to punish India for its energy trade with Russia.

Navarro offered a blunt proposition during an interview with Bloomberg Television, stating that India could see an immediate 25% reduction in the newly imposed tariffs if it ceases its Russian oil imports. “It’s really easy. India can get 25% off tomorrow if it stops buying Russian oil and helps to feed the war machine,” he said, suggesting the path to de-escalation in Ukraine “runs, in part, through New Delhi.”

Expressing bewilderment at India’s position, Navarro criticized what he termed Indian “arrogance” on the issue. “What’s troubling to me is that the Indians are so arrogant about this. They say, ‘Oh, we don’t have higher tariffs. Oh, it’s our sovereignty. We can buy oil from anyone we want,” he remarked. He argued that India’s actions have direct consequences for the United States, stating that American taxpayers ultimately have to “fund Modi’s war” through increased military aid to Ukraine.

The White House adviser’s comments represent the most direct and aggressive language used by the Trump administration in its campaign to pressure India over its relationship with Russia. Last week, Navarro had already accused India of acting as a “laundromat” for Russian crude, profiteering by refining discounted oil and reselling it.

Navarro’s framing of the conflict as “Modi’s war” is a clear attempt to shift responsibility and increase diplomatic pressure on the Indian government. New Delhi, however, has consistently maintained that its oil purchases are dictated by national interest and energy security needs, while also pointing out the West’s own continued trade with Moscow.