New Delhi | September 6, 2025 : India-US relations are facing turbulence as Peter Navarro, senior trade counsellor to former US President Donald Trump, once again launched sharp criticism against New Delhi. Navarro accused India of buying discounted Russian crude oil to profit from the Ukraine war, claiming that such revenues are fueling Moscow’s military operations.

Navarro’s Allegations

In a social media post on Friday, Navarro wrote:
“FACTS: India highest tariffs costs US jobs. India buys Russian oil purely to profit/Revenues feed Russia war machine. Ukrainians/Russians die. US taxpayers shell out more. India can’t handle truth/spins @washpo Leftist American fake news.”

His comments came in response to a Washington Post article that suggested the Trump administration’s harsh tone toward India was straining diplomatic ties and complicating cooperation.

Navarro, who has repeatedly targeted India in recent weeks, has gone so far as to label the country a “laundromat for the Kremlin” and accused “Brahmins” of profiteering from the Ukraine conflict. His latest remarks have only added fuel to the ongoing friction.

India Pushes Back

India’s Ministry of External Affairs strongly rejected Navarro’s statements. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the accusations as “inaccurate and misleading.”

“We have seen the inaccurate and misleading statements made by Navarro, and obviously, we reject them,” Jaiswal said at a press briefing.

On trade relations, he emphasized that India “continues to remain engaged with the US side on trade issues,” dismissing any notion that ties are weakening.

Trump Softens Tone

Interestingly, Navarro’s comments came just hours after Trump himself attempted to dial down tensions. Earlier, the US president had declared that America had “lost India to darkest China,” a remark that sparked outrage.

However, Trump quickly softened his tone, describing India as a “special partner.” Speaking from the Oval Office, he said:
“I’ll always be friends with (Narendra) Modi, he’s a great prime minister. I just don’t like what he’s doing at this particular moment. But India and the United States have a special relationship. There’s nothing to worry about. We just have moments on occasion.”

Diplomatic Strain Continues

While Trump’s reassurance may ease some tensions, his aides’ repeated accusations continue to irritate New Delhi. With India refusing to bow to US pressure on its energy trade with Russia, the diplomatic equation between Washington and New Delhi is set to remain complicated in the months ahead.