Trump and Modi to settle US-India row over Russian oil tariffs, adviser says

Peter Navarro, the White House’s trade adviser, affirmed that President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi enjoy a "very good working relationship" and will negotiate the disagreement over proposed U.S. tariffs on nations importing Russian oil without outside interference. The comment followed the Senate’s passage of a bipartisan bill that could impose tariffs as high as 100% on goods from the world’s top five purchasers of Russian crude and gas, a move intended to tighten economic pressure on Moscow.

India, which dramatically expanded its Russian oil purchases after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, is specifically named among the targeted economies. Navarro repeated his earlier critique of India’s role in the trade, referencing one outlet's op-ed in which he argued that New Delhi’s post-invasion oil deals have helped fund Russia’s war effort. He also mentioned the intense online criticism he received from Indian netizens after that article. The adviser emphasized that the resolution will be handled directly by the two leaders, not by his office or other officials.