Tensions between Washington and New Delhi have intensified after a top White House official referred to the Russia-Ukraine conflict as “Modi’s war”, sharply criticising India’s continued oil imports from Moscow.

The remarks by US Trade Adviser Peter Navarro came just hours after the US implemented 50% tariffs on Indian goods — among the highest in the world.

These include a 25% penalty for purchasing Russian oil and weapons, which the US says is helping fund Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

India has denounced the tariffs as unfair, maintaining it reserves the right to secure the best deal to serve the needs of its 1.4 billion people.

Since the start of the war in 2022, Russia has become India’s main oil supplier, rising from under 2% of India’s imports to 35-40%.

Speaking to Bloomberg TV, Navarro intensified his criticism, accusing India of undermining the global economy and US jobs by maintaining high tariffs and continuing Russian imports.

He controversially stated: “We have to fund Modi’s war,” clarifying that he meant India’s role in prolonging the conflict by sustaining Russia’s economy.

Navarro also rebuked India’s stance on sovereignty and trade independence, saying: “India, you’re the biggest democracy in the world — act like one.”

Despite the fiery rhetoric and the cancellation of planned trade talks, hopes remain for reconciliation.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in a separate interview, struck a more optimistic tone, saying: “At the end of the day, we will come together.”

India’s government has gone into damage-control mode, downplaying the immediate economic impact but acknowledging longer-term risks.

Prime Minister Modi has pledged tax cuts to help offset the consequences of the tariffs.

In its July economic review released Wednesday, India’s finance ministry stressed that ongoing India-US trade talks will be crucial in addressing the current strain and ensuring stability in the partnership.