Navarro Defends U.S. Tariff Strategy, Warns of India-Russia Ties

White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro has justified the U.S. tariffs against China and India, emphasizing national security concerns. He criticized India's trade practices and its purchase of Russian oil. Former NSA John Bolton warns that these tariffs might inadvertently push India closer to Russia and China.

White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro has defended the United States' tariff strategy, highlighting its focus on national security. Speaking to reporters, Navarro emphasized that while the U.S. maintains a 50% tariff on Chinese goods, its approach towards India differs significantly.

Navarro clarified that tariffs on Indian products, recently elevated to 50%, stem from India's ongoing oil trade with Russia, which the U.S. associates with funding the conflict in Ukraine. He accused India of imposing substantial tariffs and barriers on American goods, terming it the "maharaja of tariffs."

In contrast, former National Security Adviser John Bolton cautioned that these measures could backfire, potentially drawing India closer to Russia and China, thereby undermining decades of diplomatic efforts. He noted that the tariffs meant to curtail Russian influence may instead foster alliances against U.S. initiatives.

(With inputs from agencies.)