'Modi’s war': Trump aide Navarro links India to Ukraine conflict, says 25% relief on tariffs if...

White House Peter adviser Navarro

White House trade adviser Peter Navarro referred to the Ukraine conflict as "Modi's war," criticizing India for buying discounted Russian oil in an interview with Bloomberg Television’s Balance of Power.

He argued that these purchases have enabled Moscow’s aggression and imposed costs on American taxpayers. Navarro also stated that India could receive a 25% reduction in US tariffs if it ceases buying Russian oil.

When asked whether the U.S. is in discussions with India or considering any tariff adjustments, White House adviser Peter Navarro responded, "It's really easy. India can get 25% off tomorrow if it stops buying Russian oil and helped to feed the war machine."

Navarro also remarked, "I'm puzzled. Because Modi is a great leader. This is a matured democracy with matured people running it."

Spaking about India’s position on trade, he said, "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," as quoted by Bloomberg.

He criticized India’s continued purchase of Russian oil at discounted rates, stating, “Russia uses the money it gets to fund its war machine, kill more Ukrainians.” He argued that this has led to increased demands on U.S. resources through Kyiv's requests for weapons and financial aid.

“Everybody in America loses because of what India is doing. The consumers and businesses and everything lose, and workers lose because India’s high tariffs cost us jobs, and factories, and income and higher wages. And then the taxpayers lose because we got to fund Modi’s war,” he added.

Navarro accused India of helping bankroll Moscow's war effort. "By purchasing Russian oil at a discount, Russia uses the money it gets to fund its war machine kill more Ukrainians," he said.

He argued that the costs ripple across the US economy: "Consumers and businesses and everything lose, and workers lose because India's high tariffs cost us jobs, and factories, and income and higher wages. And then the taxpayers lose because we got to fund Modi's war."

“I mean Modi’s war because the road to peace runs, in part, through New Delhi,” Navarro said.