Brief by Shorts91 NewsDesk / 10:21am on 08 Aug 2025,Friday India Global
White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro has defended the 50% tariff hike on Indian goods, calling India the “maharaja of tariffs.” He cited national security concerns, accusing India of using American dollars from exports to buy Russian oil, which allegedly funds Russia’s war against Ukraine. Navarro argued that this economic loop forces American taxpayers to indirectly finance Ukraine’s defense. He emphasized that the rationale differs from reciprocal tariffs and is rooted in India’s “abject refusal” to stop Russian oil imports. When asked why China wasn’t similarly targeted, Navarro noted existing high tariffs on Chinese goods and hinted at ongoing coordination. India’s Ministry of External Affairs called the move “unjustified and unreasonable,” vowing to protect national interests. (PC: News 18 & Reuters)
