Washington: In a sharp rebuke to India’s energy strategy, US President Donald Trump’s trade adviser Peter Navarro has labelled New Delhi the “Maharaj of tariffs” and accused it of running a “profiteering scheme” by importing Russian oil. Navarro confirmed that punitive tariffs of 50% on Indian imports will take effect as planned next week, including an additional 25% duty linked to India’s Russian oil purchases.

Speaking outside the White House, Navarro said that India’s imports of Russian crude skyrocketed from almost 1% before the Ukraine war to 35% today. “They don’t need the oil; it’s a refining profit-sharing scheme—a laundromat for the Kremlin,” he alleged. According to him, India buys discounted Russian crude, refines it, and sells high-priced products to Europe, Africa, and Asia, calling it “pure profiteering by the Indian refining industry.”

India has defended its decision, arguing that Washington previously encouraged New Delhi to help stabilize global energy markets. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar stated during his recent Moscow visit, “The Americans themselves asked us to do everything to stabilize the energy markets, including buying oil from Russia.”

Navarro insisted that India’s actions are fueling the war rather than promoting peace, claiming the money India pays Russia is being used to fund Moscow’s military campaign in Ukraine. He also criticized India’s trade practices, citing high tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and a significant trade deficit that “hurts American workers.”

India now accounts for 37% of Russia’s oil exports, according to Kasatkin Consulting. Meanwhile, US tariffs on Indian goods—some of the steepest globally—have further strained bilateral ties. The Trump administration has refrained from imposing similar measures on China, despite it being the largest buyer of Russian crude.

Adding to the tensions, Navarro accused India of “cosying up” to China. In a recent development, India and China agreed to explore resolving their border disputes following a visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. China’s ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, reiterated Beijing’s support for multilateral trade and fairness on X.

India began buying Russian oil at discounted rates after Western sanctions on Moscow post-Ukraine invasion in 2022. From just 1.7% in 2019-20, Russia’s share in India’s oil imports surged to 35.1% in 2024-25, making it the country’s largest supplier.