Trump adviser calls Ukraine conflict 'Modi's war' as US tariffs on India rise

August 28, 2025

The United States has implemented 50% tariffs on Indian goods, including a 25% penalty specifically targeting India's purchases of Russian oil and weapons. White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro controversially referred to Russia's Ukraine war as "Modi's war," claiming India's oil purchases from Russia are funding the conflict. India has denounced these tariffs as unfair, insisting it will continue seeking the best oil deals to protect its population's interests, while pointing out that similar penalties haven't been imposed on China or the European Union despite their significant Russian trade.

Who is affected

Indian export-driven industries and millions of workers in these sectors
American consumers, businesses, workers, and taxpayers (according to Navarro)
India's 1.4 billion people whose interests the government claims to be protecting
The Indian economy facing ripple effects from the tariffs

What action is being taken

The US is implementing 50% tariffs on Indian goods, including a specific 25% penalty for Russian weapons and oil purchases
India is refusing to scale back its Russian oil purchases despite US pressure
The Indian government is working on immediate solutions to address the economic challenges
Modi has promised to cut taxes to mitigate the impact of US tariffs

Why it matters

Russia now supplies 35-40% of India's oil imports compared to less than 2% before the Ukraine invasion
The tariffs will disrupt millions of livelihoods across India's export industries
The US claims India's oil purchases provide funds for Russia's war in Ukraine
India-US relations are strategically important in the Indo-Pacific region
The situation affects trade relations between the world's largest democracy and largest economy

What's next

India's finance ministry indicates that ongoing India-US trade negotiations "will be crucial" in addressing the tariff situation

Read full article from source: BBC