Trump Adviser Navarro: India a ‘Kremlin Laundromat’, Doesn’t Need Russian Oil

Navarro Slams India as ‘Kremlin Laundromat’, Warns of Trump Tariffs Over Russian Oil.

White House trade adviser Peter Navarro sharply criticised India for buying Russian crude, calling the country a “laundromat” for Moscow and accusing it of profiteering from the war in Ukraine. “It’s nonsense that India needs Russian oil,” Navarro said, warning that President Donald Trump is unlikely to extend the August 27 deadline for doubling tariffs on India over its energy purchases from Russia.

Navarro argued Indian refiners are cashing in while indirectly funding the conflict. “They use export earnings to buy Russian oil, process it for profit, and the Russians use that money to build weapons and kill Ukrainians,” he said.

While praising Prime Minister Modi as a “great leader,” Navarro urged India to reconsider its role in the global economy. He also criticised India’s high tariffs and trade barriers, calling them “Maharaja tariffs” that hurt American workers.

India has defended its Russian oil imports, noting the US had asked it to help stabilise global energy markets.