America’s sharp comment on India-Russia trade – White House trade advisor Peter Navarro called India the “Maharaja of Tariffs” and alleged that India has become Russia’s “laundromat”.
Washington. Former White House trade advisor Peter Navarro has targeted India and said that India is on the wrong path by trading oil with Russia. He even called India Russia’s “laundromat” i.e. money laundering center.
Navarro claims that the argument of India’s dependence on Russian oil is “absurd” and it is proof of standing with Russia.
Navarro also said that India will have to take responsibility for its decisions. He took a dig at India by calling it the “Maharaja of Tariffs”, i.e. a country that imposes high import duties. This is not the first time Navarro has questioned India’s policies. Earlier also he has criticized India’s purchase of Russian oil in the Financial Times.
India’s response
India has clarified its position by responding to these allegations. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said that India adopts a practical approach for its energy security. He also said that it was the US that had advised India to buy oil from Russia so that stability is maintained in the global market.
Trump administration policy
Navarro’s statement has come at a time when the Trump administration is adopting a tough stance on trade policies. The US is trying to redefine trade relations with many countries, including India, under its reciprocal tariff policy.
This dispute can trigger a new debate on global trade and energy policies. India says that it is taking decisions keeping in mind its energy needs and global stability.
