India Rejects External Pressure Amidst US Criticism of Russian Oil Purchases

Relations between India and the United States have recently become strained. Former Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup expressed his concern about the pressure tactics employed by the Donald Trump administration. This comes after White House trade advisor Peter Navarro criticized India’s trade practices and its oil purchases from Russia. Swarup highlighted the administration’s pressure tactics, citing Navarro’s comments. Navarro has been very critical of India in recent days, calling India the “maharaja of tariffs” and criticizing the country for its Russian oil purchase. Swarup countered, asserting that India adheres to strategic autonomy and will not be “dictated” by any country. Swarup noted that the current relationship is not in a good state. Although there was an expectation that a trade deal between India and the US would be agreed upon, it has not happened. He said the comments coming from the Trump administration, particularly from Peter Navarro, are not helping the cause. Navarro defended the 50 percent tariff on imports from India, claiming that the measure was aimed at cutting off the financial support India allegedly provides to Moscow.