- India became heavily involved in the Russian oil trade after the invasion of Ukraine, selling refined products on behalf of Russia, which helped feed the war machine.
- A U.S. official stated that the issue had since been resolved and claimed credit for weaning India off the oil trade with Russia.
- Navarro referred to an op-ed he penned in The Financial Times, stating, “Maybe, I had a little bit to do with that with that op-ed.”
President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are set to resolve U.S. tariffs on India's Russian oil purchases, according to White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro. This comes after the U.S. Senate passed a bill allowing 100% tariffs on major Russian oil purchasers.1
Navarro noted, “Prior to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, India was not involved in the oil trade with Russia, but afterwards it got heavily involved and was selling a lot of refined products on behalf of Russia, which helped feed the war machine,” highlighting the shift in India's oil trade dynamics.
He claimed credit for influencing India's decision to reduce its oil trade with Russia, stating, “Maybe, I had a little bit to do with that with that op-ed,” referring to his recent article in *The Financial Times*. Navarro emphasized the strong relationship between the two leaders, saying, “The President and your Prime Minister have a very good working relationship. They are going to work that out amongst themselves, and it is not for me to get between,” indicating confidence in their ability to navigate the situation.3
The ongoing geopolitical tensions and the U.S. stance on Russian oil purchases underscore the complexities of international trade and diplomacy in the current climate.
“Navarro said India was not involved in Russian oil trade before the invasion but later sold refined products on behalf of Russia, helping feed the war machine. He credited his Financial Times op-ed for the resolution, saying 'Maybe, I had a little bit to do with that.'”
