US Senior Counsellor for Trade and Manufacturing Peter Navarro has said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump are likely to resolve the ongoing disagreement over India’s purchases of Russian crude oil.
The comments come as Washington considers tougher economic measures against countries continuing to purchase Russian energy. The US Senate recently passed legislation that could authorize tariffs of up to 100 percent on imports from countries buying Russian oil and gas. However, the legislation still needs to pass the US House of Representatives before it can become law.
Navarro highlighted the strong relationship between Modi and Trump while discussing the issue, indicating that direct engagement between the two leaders could help prevent the tariff dispute from escalating. His remarks suggest that diplomatic negotiations remain an important option as Washington weighs additional pressure on countries maintaining energy ties with Moscow.
India has remained a major buyer of Russian crude since the Russia-Ukraine conflict disrupted global energy markets. Indian refiners have benefited from discounted Russian oil, helping the country maintain energy supplies and manage costs amid fluctuations in international crude prices.
The proposed US tariff measures could have wider implications for India-US economic relations if implemented. Higher tariffs could affect Indian exports to the US while adding another layer of complexity to ongoing bilateral trade negotiations.
Despite the disagreement over Russian oil, India and the United States continue to strengthen cooperation in defence, technology, energy and the Indo-Pacific. Both countries have also expanded strategic and military engagement in recent years, making the stability of the broader bilateral relationship significant for regional security.
Navarro’s latest remarks indicate that Washington still sees scope for a negotiated solution, with the relationship between Modi and Trump potentially playing a central role in resolving the issue.