New Delhi: In a provocative jab, Peter Navarro, a key advisor to US President Donald Trump, has stirred controversy by linking India to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, dubbing it “Modi’s war”.
The remarks, made amid escalating trade tensions, come as the US imposes a steep 50% tariff on Indian exports, a move that has already strained bilateral ties. Navarro’s comments, reported by Bloomberg, accuse India of fuelling the conflict by purchasing Russian oil, which he claims funds Moscow’s war machines.
A Fiery Accusation
Navarro’s statement marks a sharp escalation in US rhetoric against India. “The path to peace in Ukraine runs, to some extent, through New Delhi,” he declared, alleging that India’s oil imports from Russia directly finance the Kremlin’s military efforts. He further claimed that India uses profits from its trade with the US to buy and refine Russian oil, reaping substantial gains in the process. The remarks have sparked outrage in Indian circles, with analysts calling them a distortion of New Delhi’s neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict.
The Geopolitical Context
The Russia-Ukraine war, now in its third year, remains a global flashpoint, with no resolution in sight despite Trump’s vocal interventions. India, maintaining its strategic autonomy, has continued to import discounted Russian oil, a decision driven by economic necessity rather than geopolitical alignment. Such behaviour has drawn ire from Washington, particularly as Trump’s administration rolled out a 25% additional tariff on Indian goods, effective August 27, bringing the total to 50%. The tariffs target key Indian exports like textiles and gems, aiming to pressure New Delhi over its trade policies and Russian ties.
India’s Balancing Act
Navarro’s remarks mirror a wider US dissatisfaction with India’s efforts to maintain equilibrium in a multipolar world. As India deepens trade ties with the UK, EU, and others to offset the tariff hit, its role in forums like the SCO — where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will soon meet Chinese and Russian leaders —underscores its growing geopolitical clout. Yet, Navarro’s framing risks oversimplifying India’s position, ignoring its diplomatic efforts to mediate in the Ukraine crisis and its economic imperatives amid global inflation.
Looking Ahead
These remarks signal a deepening rift between Washington and New Delhi, even as India navigates a delicate path in global affairs. With Modi’s upcoming China visit for the SCO summit, the world will be watching whether India can leverage its position to push for peace — or face further US backlash. As one Indian diplomat put it, “Blaming India for a war it didn’t start is lazy geopolitics. We’re focused on stability, not escalation.”