“This Is Modi’s War”: White House Adviser Navarro Links India to Ukraine Conflict

White House adviser Peter Navarro has labeled the Ukraine conflict as “Modi’s war,” criticizing India for purchasing discounted Russian oil and claiming it fuels Moscow’s aggression while burdening American taxpayers.

In an interview with Bloomberg Television’s Balance of Power, Navarro said the path to peace “runs, in part, through New Delhi,” pointing to India’s significant role in the crisis.

US Tariffs and India

Navarro’s comments came as President Donald Trump’s 50% tariff on Indian goods took effect on Wednesday, a move intended to pressure India to reduce Russian oil imports. He added that India could receive 25% tariff relief if it stops buying Russian oil, calling it “really easy” for India to comply.

He also expressed frustration over India’s stance, saying:

“I’m puzzled. Because Modi is a great leader. This is a matured democracy with matured people running it.”

Funding Russia’s War

Navarro accused India of helping finance Russia’s war effort, saying:

“By purchasing Russian oil at a discount, Russia uses the money it gets to fund its war machine and kill more Ukrainians. Everybody in America loses because of what India is doing.” He added that the economic impact extends to US consumers, businesses, workers, and taxpayers, all of whom bear costs due to India’s high tariffs and oil purchases.

Navarro also called India a “laundromat” for Russian oil, alleging that profits from refining are used to produce arms, forcing the US to provide additional military aid to Ukraine. This framing has drawn attention for directly linking India to the Ukraine conflict and presenting US tariffs as leverage to influence Indian policy.