According to the White House adviser, the surge in India’s crude imports since February 2022 has not been driven by domestic oil consumption needs but by “profiteering” of the country’s “Big Oil lobby”.

“Refining companies have turned India into a massive refining hub for discounted Russian crude. The refiners buy oil at a steep discount, process it, and then export refined fuels to Europe, Africa, and Asia — all the while shielding India from sanctions scrutiny under the pretence of neutrality,” he writes.

While defending Trump’s recent executive order hitting Delhi with exorbitant trade tariffs, his aide goes on to allege that India keeps slamming the door on American exports through barriers. 

Navarro claims that while Delhi has increasingly turned to the US, France and Israel to meet its defence needs, those deals often come with strings attached.  

He concludes: “The Trump administration is confronting it. A recent executive order issued by the President will impose a 25 per cent national security tariff on Indian goods to address the threat posed by India’s continued importation of Russian oil. This new tariff is in addition to the 25 per cent reciprocal tariff already in place.

“This two-pronged policy will hit India where it hurts — its access to US markets — even as it seeks to cut off the financial lifeline it has extended to Russia’s war effort. If India wants to be treated as a strategic partner of the US, it needs to start acting like one.” 

Trump has imposed tariffs totalling 50 per cent on India, including a potential 25 per cent for Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil that will come into effect from 27 August.

India, responding to the tariffs, said that the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable.

India said that, like any major economy, it will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.