Peter Navarro Criticizes India’s Trade Policies Amid US-India Negotiations

White House trade advisor Peter Navarro has once again taken aim at India, claiming that the United States does not require “unfair trade” with New Delhi, while alleging that India is urgently seeking access to American markets.

Peter Navarro

Navarro, who has recently been vocal about India’s trade policies, especially its crude oil purchases from Russia, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that India’s protectionist measures and high tariffs contribute to a massive US trade deficit. “India fuels Russia’s war chest. India is protectionist, with sky-high tariffs. The US runs a massive trade deficit with India,” Navarro stated.

In another post, he added, “The US doesn’t need unfair trade with India. But India desperately needs access to US markets and schools and intends to continue taking US jobs.”

These remarks coincided with an announcement from former US President Donald Trump, confirming that trade negotiations between India and the US are ongoing to address existing trade barriers. Trump expressed optimism about the talks, stating that he expects a successful outcome for both nations in the near future.

The US-India trade relations recently faced turbulence after Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods, followed by an additional 25% tariff on India’s imports of Russian crude oil. This cumulative 50% tariff has been strongly criticized by New Delhi, which called the move “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.”

While negotiations continue, the statements by Navarro highlight the underlying tensions and contrasting perspectives on trade, tariffs, and international partnerships between the two countries.