White House commerce adviser Peter Navarro. File | Photo Credit: AP
“If India wants to be treated as a strategic partner of the U.S., it needs to start acting like one,” Mr. Navarro wrote in an opinion piece revealed within the Financial Times.
EXPLAINED | Will India collapse to U.S. stress on Russian oil?
The Ministry of External Affairs has beforehand mentioned India is being unfairly singled out for purchasing Russian oil whereas the United States and European Union proceed to buy items from Russia. U.S. President Donald Trump levied an extra 25% tariff on Indian items earlier this month, citing New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian oil, taking complete tariffs on imports from India to 50%.
“India acts as a global clearinghouse for Russian oil, converting embargoed crude into high-value exports while giving Moscow the dollars it needs,” Mr. Navarro mentioned.
DATA | Donald Trump’s criticism of India for its oil and arms commerce with Russia is factual however illogical
The adviser additionally mentioned it was dangerous to switch cutting-edge U.S. army capabilities to India as New Delhi was “now cozying up to both Russia and China.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is about to satisfy Chinese President Xi Jinping on the finish of the month whereas Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is visiting India from Monday (August 18, 2025) for talks on the disputed border between the 2 international locations.
Also Read | India ‘totally engaged’ with U.S. on commerce deal, says Commerce Secretary
A deliberate go to by U.S. commerce negotiators to New Delhi from August 25-29 has been referred to as off, a supply mentioned over the weekend, delaying talks on a proposed commerce settlement and dashing hopes of aid from extra U.S. tariffs on Indian items from August 27.
Published – August 18, 2025 10:46 am IST
