Peter Navarro Accused India of Fueling Ukraine War. American Experts Called it Wrong and Dangerous. India Clarified Oil Purchases are Based on Economic Needs. Bilateral Relations Tensed.
US Tariff: White House Trade Advisor Peter Navarro has once again made sharp statements against India. Defending the 50 percent tariff imposed on Indian goods, he stated that India is promoting the war against Ukraine by purchasing oil from Russia. According to Navarro, the path to peace in Ukraine goes through New Delhi, and India is becoming an obstacle in this direction.
US-India Relations in Danger
Following Peter Navarro's statement, criticism against him has begun within the US itself. Asia expert and former advisor to two US Secretaries of State, Evan A. Feigenbaum, described Navarro as a "runaway cannon" and said that his statements could jeopardize the US-India relationship, built over decades of hard work. According to Feigenbaum, holding India responsible for the war in Ukraine is completely absurd and this statement could negatively impact the bilateral relations between the US and India.
Calling India an 'Oil Funding Center' is Wrong
In his statement, Navarro claimed that India is contributing to the war by purchasing oil from Russia. He said that Indian refineries are profiting from black market oil, which benefits Russia while people are dying in Ukraine. Navarro supported the 50 percent tariff on Indian goods on this basis. According to him, 25 percent of the tariff is to stop unfair trade practices, and the remaining 25 percent is for national security reasons.
Allegations on Oil Import and Export
Navarro presented detailed figures regarding India's Russian oil imports. He said that before 2022, India's share was 1 percent, which has now increased to over 30 percent, or approximately 1.5 million barrels per day. Navarro alleged that Indian refiners are exporting over 1 million barrels of refined products daily, thereby providing economic benefits to Russia. His claim was seen as an attempt to invalidate decisions made based on India's policy and trade needs.
Statements Deviating from Policy
Feigenbaum dismissed Navarro's claims, stating that these statements are completely different from history and actual policy. He said that calling India a "strategic free-rider" on arms is wrong and misleading. According to experts, statements like those from Navarro can influence America's policymaking process and create unnecessary tension in bilateral relations.
Threat to US-India Partnership
Feigenbaum warned that if such rhetoric continues in US-India relations, this partnership could unravel. He stated that the administration might have to make changes to rectify the situation and bring it back to a more productive path. He believes that to strengthen bilateral relations, it is essential to consider history, context, and actual political circumstances.
