Getting In Bed With Authoritarians: White House Advisor Slams India's Growing Ties With China

White House Trade Advisor Peter Navarro has once again slammed India for its ties with Russia and proximity to China.

Speaking to Bloomberg, Navarro has held India responsible for the US and Europe funding Ukraine against Russia's aggression.

"Ukraine comes to us and Europe and says give us more money (for its war). Everybody in America loses because of what India is doing. Consumers and businesses lose, workers lose because India's high tariffs cause jobs, income and higher wages. The taxpayer lose because we got to fund Modi's war." ANI quoted Navarro as telling Bloomberg. He added, "The road to peace runs atleast partly through New Delhi."

He called India "arrogant" for prioritising its energy needs while advising it to "side with democracies."

"The Indians are so arrogant about this. They say we don't have higher tariffs. It's our sovereignty. We can buy oil from anyone we want. India, you're the biggest democracy in the world. Okay? Act like one. Side with the democracies," Navarro stated.

Navarro slammed India for smoothening its relations with China and expressed his frustration over New Delhi's growing relations with Moscow and Beijing, whom he labelled as "authoritarians."

"You're getting in bed with the authoritarians. China, you've been at quiet war with them for decades. They invaded Aksai Chin and all your territory. These are not your friends, folks. Okay? And the Russians, I mean, come on," Navarro added.

His remarks come as 50 per cent tariffs on Indian exports came into effect on Wednesday. Of the 50 per cent tariffs, 25 per cent are imposed because of India's continued purchases of Russian oil and military equipment.

Meanwhile, a senior official from the Trump administration remarked that the relationship between India and the US is "very complicated." However, he expressed confidence that both nations will "eventually come together." These comments were made by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent shortly after Washington imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods. This move was intended to penalise New Delhi for its purchase of Russian oil.

Bessent highlighted the complex nature of the India-US relationship, acknowledging tensions over trade and Russia. He stated, "I do think India is the world's largest democracy and the US is the world's largest economy. At the end of the day, we will come together." He also accused India of "profiteering" from Russian energy sales and dragging out trade negotiations.