Peter Navarro, a key trade advisor to Donald Trump, has increased his criticism of India, focusing on both its trade policies and its ongoing purchases of oil from Russia. This comes amidst continued assertions from both the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the US that the relationship between India and the US remains significant. Navarro, during a discussion on CNBC, addressed the ongoing trade deal stalemate, highlighting India’s high tariffs and significant non-tariff barriers. He stated that India is now coming to the table to talk. Navarro also criticized Indian refiners, alleging they profited from purchasing Russian oil immediately following the invasion of Ukraine, indirectly aiding Russia’s military. He added comments regarding PM Modi’s interactions with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. Trump has stated that trade negotiations with India are ongoing and he is looking forward to speaking with Prime Minister Modi. Modi responded by emphasizing the close friendship and partnership between India and the US and expressed confidence in a positive outcome for trade negotiations.
