Trump Admin Vows No Extensions
President Donald Trump is holding India accountable with tough new tariffs set to begin August 27, hitting New Delhi with a 50% trade penalty. The move comes as India continues buying Russian oil — purchases Trump says are helping bankroll Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine.
Navarro: “India Is Fueling the Bloodshed”
White House trade adviser Peter Navarro confirmed Thursday that Trump has no plans to delay. “I expect this to take place. India refuses to recognize its role in the bloodshed,” Navarro told reporters.
Navarro blasted India’s oil deals as unnecessary profiteering. “They don’t need the oil — it’s a refining scheme for profit. I respect Prime Minister Modi, but India must see its role. What they’re doing isn’t creating peace — it’s prolonging war.”
Why India Faces Double Penalties
Navarro explained the breakdown:
- 25% tariff for cheating America on trade
- 25% penalty for financing Russia through oil deals
In an op-ed for the Financial Times, Navarro said India’s reliance on Russian crude is “opportunistic and corrosive,” undermining efforts to isolate Putin’s war economy.
Trump Pushes for Real Peace Talks
At the same time, Trump is pushing for a historic face-to-face between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. While Trump leads the charge for negotiations, Russia is signaling it may drag its feet, trying to stall momentum from this week’s White House summit with European leaders.
Why This Matters for America
This tariff fight highlights Trump’s America First agenda: holding allies and adversaries alike accountable when they threaten U.S. interests. For voters, it’s a clear reminder of the strength Trump brings back to American leadership.
