Peter Navarro, a trade advisor to Donald Trump, has intensified his criticism of India’s trade practices and its purchases of oil from Russia. Despite this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the US continue to emphasize the importance of the India-US relationship. Navarro, speaking on CNBC, addressed the stalled trade deal between the two nations, stating that India is engaging in discussions. He acknowledged a conciliatory tweet from Prime Minister Modi, to which Trump responded, expressing optimism. However, Navarro pointed out that India maintains the highest tariffs among major countries and employs significant non-tariff barriers. He also criticized India’s refiners for allegedly profiting from Russian oil purchases soon after the invasion of Ukraine, asserting this indirectly supports Russia’s military. Navarro also commented on PM Modi’s interactions with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, suggesting discomfort with the arrangement. Trump, in a recent statement, expressed ongoing trade negotiations with India and his intention to speak with Prime Minister Modi soon, expressing confidence in a successful outcome. In response, PM Modi affirmed the close relationship between India and the US, expressing his belief that trade negotiations will unlock the potential of the partnership.
