US trade adviser Peter Navarro called India the "Maharaja" of tariffs, accusing it of profiteering from Russian oil and warning of 50% punitive tariffs.
He condemned India’s surge in Russian oil purchases from just 1% before 2022 to 35% now—claiming it indirectly supports Russia’s war efforts, even as India profits by selling processed petroleum at premium rates worldwide.
India defended its stance, with FM S. Jaishankar noting that Washington had previously encouraged buying Russian oil to stabilize global energy markets.
India now accounts for 37% of Russia’s oil exports, making it the country’s largest supplier.
Navarro also criticized India’s improving ties with China, highlighting that the US imposed tariffs on India but not on China, the biggest buyer of Russian crude.
