Trump Adviser Navarro Says India Acts as ‘Kremlin Laundromat’, Can Do Without Russian Oil

White House Adviser Navarro Slams India Over Russian Oil, Warns of Trump Tariffs.

White House trade adviser Peter Navarro intensified criticism of India’s role in the Ukraine conflict, accusing New Delhi of profiteering from Russian oil and calling the country a “laundromat” for Moscow.

“It’s nonsense that India needs Russian oil,” Navarro told reporters, warning that President Donald Trump is unlikely to extend the August 27 deadline for doubling tariffs on India as punishment for buying crude from Russia.

No Extension for 50% Tariffs on India
“Just six days from now, you’ll see the imposition of secondary tariffs,” Navarro said. “India doesn’t seem to recognise its role in the bloodshed. It’s cosying up to Xi Jinping while cashing in on the war.”

Navarro argued that Indian refiners are profiting while indirectly fueling the conflict. “They don’t need oil—it’s a refining profiteering scheme. India uses the money from exports to buy Russian oil, processes it for profit, and then the Russians use the revenue to build arms and kill Ukrainians. Meanwhile, American taxpayers provide more military aid to Ukraine. That’s insane,” he said.

While mixing criticism with praise for India’s leadership, Navarro urged a change in course. “I love India. Prime Minister Modi is a great leader. But look at your role in the global economy. Right now, what you’re doing isn’t creating peace—it’s perpetuating the war.”

India’s Trade Practices Under Fire
Navarro also criticised India’s broader trade policies. “They have higher tariffs—Maharaja tariffs—and non-tariff barriers. We run a massive trade deficit with them, which hurts American workers and businesses. Then they use the money to buy Russian oil and make even more profit,” he said.

Navarro concluded with a stark message: “The road to peace runs through New Delhi. Stop giving Moscow an economic lifeline. President Trump sees that chessboard clearly, and the world needs to understand it.”

The remarks follow India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar defending New Delhi’s energy ties with Russia, noting that the US itself had encouraged India to help stabilise global energy markets. Navarro has also criticised India’s crude imports in a Financial Times op-ed, insisting that claims India needs Russian oil are unfounded.