India Cheat US On Trade: Trump's Key Adviser Peter Navaroo

US President Donald Trump's aide and White House Trade Adviser Peter Navaroo has lashed out at India, accusing New Delhi of cheating Americans on trade.

Speaking to reporters, Navaroo has claimed that the US imposed 25 per cent tariffs on India because New Delhi cheats Washington and an additional 25 per cent over its purchase of Russian oil.

He said, "In India, 25% tariffs were put in place because they cheat us on trade. Then 25% because of the Russian oil... In many ways, the road to peace runs through New Delhi..."

He argued that India did not purchase the Russian oil before the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Trump's key adviser said, "Prior to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, India bought virtually no Russian oil... The argument now, when this percentage has gone up to 30-35%, that somehow they need Russian oil, is nonsense... Russian refiners have gotten in bed with Italian refiners in a game in which they get cheap Russian crude at a discount.

'Maharaja Tariffs'

Then they make refined products, which they sell at premium prices into Europe, Africa and Asia... In India, 25% tariffs were put in place because they cheat us on trade. Then 25% because of the Russian oil... They have higher tariffs, Maharaja tariffs... We run a massive trade deficit with them. So that hurts American workers and businesses. Then they use the money that they get from us when they sell us stuff to buy Russian oil, which then is processed by refiners, and they make a bunch of money there, but then the Russians use the money to build more arms and kill Ukrainians. So American taxpayers have to provide more aid, military style, to the Ukrainians. That's insane, and President Trump sees that chessboard beautifully... In many ways, the road to peace runs through New Delhi..."

His remarks come a day after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reacted to the US criticism over energy ties with Russia, where he claimed that Washington asked New Delhi to help stabilise global energy markets by buying Russian oil.

The ties between India and the US are on a downturn after US President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods.

However, India has consistently said that its energy procurement is driven by national interest and market dynamics.

It has to be noted that Russia is now the biggest supplier of oil to India. In 2019-20, its share stood at a mere 1.7 per cent and today it's 35.1 per cent.