Washington, D.C., August 11 (ANI): A senior U.S. presidential counselor has said that President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have a “very good working relationship” and would resolve issues concerning tariffs related to Russian oil.
The remarks come amid efforts by India and the U.S. to further strengthen their close, multifaceted relationship across various domains.
“During the Ukraine-Russia war, six to eight months ago, I think I wrote an op-ed in the Financial Times, which absolutely factually correctly pointed out that prior to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, India was not involved in the oil trade with Russia, but afterward it got heavily involved and was selling a lot of refined products on behalf of Russia, which helped feed the war machine. And that issue has been resolved. Maybe I had a little bit to do with that with that op-ed, but I can tell you, I got actually firebombed by the Indian continent on the internet. All I would say to you, don’t do that,” Navarro said in response to an ANI question.
“That’s not how we resolve problems here in America. With respect to your question, the President and your Prime Minister have a very good working relationship. They are going to work that out amongst themselves, and it’s not for me or any gaggle to get between that,” he added.
Earlier, on August 7, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan bill that could authorize President Donald Trump to levy tariffs of up to 100 percent on goods from countries, including India and China, that continue importing Russian oil and gas, maintaining that such trade helps sustain Moscow’s economy and fund its military operations in Ukraine.
The Senate approved the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by an overwhelming 86-11 vote. Named after the late Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of its principal architects, the legislation aims to escalate economic pressure on Russia and Iran while targeting nations that maintain major energy trade ties with Moscow.
Under the provisions, the U.S. president would be granted discretionary authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on imports from the world’s five largest buyers of Russian crude oil or natural gas.
Beyond targeting foreign energy buyers, the legislation outlines fresh sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin, senior political and military officials, financial institutions, energy developments and connected entities linked to Russia’s war effort.
It further extends U.S. sanctions to older and reflagged oil tankers allegedly used by Russia to circumvent global restrictions and maintain energy export revenues. The broader objective is to restrict the financial flows supporting Russia’s economy and military campaign.
The legislation empowers the U.S. president to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on goods imported from the top five purchasers of Russian oil or natural gas. India remains one of the largest buyers of Russian crude globally, alongside China.
The measure seeks to present energy-importing nations with a choice between continuing to purchase discounted Russian energy or retaining access to the lucrative U.S. market.
India expanded its procurement of discounted Russian crude following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022 to secure national energy requirements during global market turmoil.
While Russia was historically not a traditional primary supplier for India, the availability of discounted crude allowed Indian refiners to optimize raw material costs and ensure uninterrupted domestic supplies, particularly amid transit disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. (ANI)
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