Trump, Modi will resolve Russia sanctions: U.S. official

White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro stated on Tuesday that U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi possess a “very good working relationship” and intend to address differences regarding Washington’s potential imposition of tariffs on nations purchasing Russian oil. Navarro made these remarks during a press briefing at the White House, following the recent passage of a bipartisan bill by the U.S. Senate. This legislation grants the president the authority to levy tariffs of up to 100% on goods from the world’s top five importers of Russian crude oil and natural gas, aiming to exert economic pressure on Moscow by targeting countries contributing to its war funding in Ukraine. India, one of the largest buyers of Russian crude, has significantly increased its purchases since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022. Navarro reiterated his longstanding criticisms of India’s engagement in the Russian oil trade, asserting that New Delhi’s involvement began only after the invasion of Ukraine. He referenced an earlier op-ed published in the Financial Times, in which he argued that India had not participated in the oil trade with Russia prior to the war. According to Navarro, India’s subsequent heavy participation in the trade enabled the sale of refined products on behalf of Russia, thereby supporting the war effort. He claimed that this issue has since been resolved, attributing some success to his earlier commentary. Navarro also mentioned facing online backlash from Indian citizens over his critique, humorously noting that he had been “firebombed by the Indian continent on the internet.” India maintains that its procurement of Russian oil is primarily driven by market dynamics and domestic energy needs rather than political considerations. The country has consistently denied allegations that its actions contribute to financing the war in Ukraine. Navarro’s comments represent a shift toward a more conciliatory stance toward the India-U.S. relationship, following months of public criticism directed at New Delhi. Earlier in 2026, he had referred to India as the “Maharaja of tariffs” and defended U.S. tariffs on Indian goods as a necessary national security measure, linking them to India’s continued reliance on Russian oil. The Senate’s Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 was approved on August 7 by an overwhelming margin of 86-11. This law empowers the president to impose steep tariffs on imports from the leading purchasers of Russian oil and gas, with India being among the primary targets due to its substantial purchases. The discounted Russian crude has allowed Indian refiners to manage input costs and ensure supply continuity amidst global energy market volatility. Navarro’s recent remarks suggest a willingness to engage with India directly through diplomatic channels, emphasizing the personal rapport between Trump and Modi. Navarro’s comments come amid ongoing tensions between the United States and India over the latter’s energy policies. While the U.S. has sought to curb Russian oil exports to countries like India, New Delhi has resisted such measures, citing economic necessity. The situation reflects broader geopolitical complexities, with both nations navigating their strategic interests against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. As the U.S. continues to explore ways to limit Russian influence through economic means, India’s position remains pivotal in shaping the future of international energy trade. Navarro’s assertion that the issue will be resolved directly between Trump and Modi underscores the importance of bilateral diplomacy in addressing contentious trade matters. With the U.S. poised to implement new sanctions, the outcome of this dialogue will likely influence the trajectory of Indo-American relations in the coming months. The resolution of this dispute will depend on how effectively both leaders can balance economic realities with strategic objectives.