• US advisor Peter Navarro calls Ukraine conflict "Modi's war" over India's continued oil imports from Russia.
• India is set to increase Russian oil imports by 10-20% in September despite new 50% US tariffs.
• The US claims India's purchases are fueling the war, placing financial burdens on American taxpayers.
• India defends its oil imports as essential for energy stability, pointing to double standards from the West.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit India in December amidst ongoing tensions with the US.

US Trade Adviser Peter Navarro has escalated criticism of India's energy policy, asserting that Russia's war on Ukraine is effectively "Modi's war." These remarks come shortly after the US imposed 50% tariffs on Indian exports due to New Delhi's continued purchases of discounted Russian oil. Navarro claimed that "everybody in America loses because of what India is doing," linking India's actions to financial strains on US taxpayers who support Ukraine. He stated, "When India buys Russian oil, it feeds the Russian war machine," complicating the geopolitical landscape between Washington and New Delhi, according to Times of India and BBC.

In response to the tariffs, which doubled from an initial 25%, India announced plans to increase its Russian oil imports by 10-20% in September, totaling about 150,000-300,000 barrels per day. This decision highlights India's strategic shift towards Russian oil, which now accounts for nearly 40% of its crude supply. Analysts note that India's refiners find Russian crude advantageous due to steep discounts, raising questions about the long-term sustainability of these purchases amid US pressures, according to Times of India and Reuters.

Amid these developments, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar criticized the US stance, suggesting a double standard since both the European Union and China also continue purchasing Russian energy supplies. He clarified that India's decisions are driven by market needs and energy security requirements, arguing that they are not in violation of global trade norms. Jaishankar stated, "What is troubling is the arrogance of assuming India should not act in its interests," highlighting the complexities of international energy politics amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as reported by South China Morning Post and TRT Global.

As tensions rise, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has signaled an intent to navigate these challenges through diplomatic channels, including advanced plans for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in December. This visit is expected to strengthen ties amid external pressures and explore further cooperation in the energy sector, contrasting the US's aggressive stance on sanctions and tariffs aimed at curtailing Russia's oil revenues, as per Channel News Asia.