Navarro Targets India Ahead of Lynch’s Trade Talks in New Delhi.
On the eve of fresh trade negotiations, White House trade advisor Peter Navarro on Monday again criticized India’s economic policies, accusing New Delhi of unfair practices and close ties with Moscow.
“Indian refiners were in bed with Russian refiners immediately after the invasion. They make money off us via unfair trade and then use that money to buy Russian oil, which funds Russian weapons,” Navarro told CNBC International. He also complained of India’s “very high tariffs,” adding that the country had only now “come to the table” for talks.
The remarks came just hours before American chief negotiator Brendan Lynch, Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, arrived in New Delhi on Monday night. Lynch is scheduled to meet his Indian counterpart Rajesh Agrawal for a one-day round of discussions.
Agrawal confirmed the meeting but gave no details, telling Reuters that both sides intended to “fast-track” talks.
Tariffs Deepen Strains
The visit was initially slated for August 25–29 but was postponed after Washington imposed steep duties on Indian products, citing New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil. The US has levied a 25% tariff as part of a broader trade reset and an additional 25% specifically on Russian crude imports, both of which took effect in August.
Talks Drag On
Since March, India and the US have been working toward an interim trade deal. American officials have complained about delays, warning that punitive tariffs were partly intended to force faster progress. But sharp differences remain, particularly over US demands that India open its agriculture and dairy sectors—areas Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to shield to protect farmers.
The two sides had originally hoped to conclude an agreement by September. That timeline has now slipped to October–November, with expectations of a phased pact instead of a comprehensive one.
Trade Impact
India’s exports to the US fell to $6.86 billion in August from $8.01 billion in July, though the full effect of the tariffs is expected to show in September data, as additional duties only took effect at the end of last month.
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