‘Act like a democracy’: Top Trump adviser Navarro slams India over Russian oil purchases | VIDEO

Washington, DC [US]: White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro on Wednesday criticised India’s decision to buy Russian oil, urging New Delhi to “act like” a democracy and align with other democratic nations.

In an interview with Bloomberg Television’s Balance of Power, Navarro claimed India’s oil imports indirectly fund Russia’s war efforts, pressuring the US to continue financial support for Ukraine.

“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. India, you're the biggest democracy in the world. Okay? Act like one. Side with the democracies,” he said.

US imposes 50% tariffs on Indian goods

Navarro’s remarks come after the US imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods on Wednesday due to its Russian oil purchases. This includes a new 25% tariff, added to an existing 25%. India called the move “unjustified and unreasonable.”

India pushes back

India’s Foreign Ministry said the country is being unfairly singled out, while the US and EU continue importing Russian goods. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasised that the US previously encouraged India to purchase Russian oil to stabilise global markets.

Concerns over China ties

Navarro also criticised India’s growing engagement with China, saying, “You're getting in bed with the authoritarians. China, you've been at war with them for decades. They invaded Aksai Chin and all your territory. These are not your friends.”

China’s Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, warned, “Silence or compromise only emboldens the bully,” and expressed willingness to work with India in defending the multilateral trading system anchored by the WTO.

Trump’s social media reaction

US President Donald Trump announced the tariffs, citing India’s role in supporting Russia. He wrote on social media, “India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They don't care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine.”

Global oil flow context

After Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, European nations largely stopped buying Russian oil. China, India, and Turkey now dominate its exports, providing crucial revenue for Moscow.

US lawmakers question targeting India

Meanwhile, House Foreign Affairs Committee Democrats criticised Trump for targeting India while sparing other large buyers. In a post, the Committee said the tariffs are “hurting Americans & sabotaging the US-India relationship in the process,” questioning if the decision is “almost like it's not about Ukraine at all.”