India's PM Modi, US President Trump will work out 100 pc tariffs on Russian oil: Senior US official

WASHINGTON DC, US: US Presidential Counsellor Peter Navarro said President Trump and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi have a 'very good working relationship' and will resolve tariff disputes linked to Russian oil.

Navarro's remarks came as the US and India seek to deepen a multifaceted relationship across several domains, and shortly after the US Senate passed legislation that could allow tariffs of up to 100% on imports from countries that continue to buy Russian oil and gas.

Speaking to ANI, Navarro recalled an op‑ed he wrote during the Ukraine–Russia war six to eight months ago, saying it had pointed out that India had not been involved in oil trade with Russia before the invasion but became heavily involved afterwards, selling refined products on Russia's behalf. "And that issue has been resolved. Maybe I had a little bit to do with that op‑ed, but I can tell you, I got actually firebombed by the Indian continent on the internet. All I would say to you, don't do that," he said.

"That's not how we resolve problems here in America. With respect to your question, the President and your Prime Minister have a very good working relationship. They are going to work that out amongst themselves, and it's not for me or any gaggle to get between that," he added.

On August 7, the Senate approved the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by an 86–11 vote. Named after the late Republican senator Lindsey Graham, one of its principal architects, the bipartisan bill would grant the US president discretionary authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports from the world's top five buyers of Russian crude oil or natural gas.

The legislation also introduces new sanctions targeting Russian President Vladimir Putin, senior political and military officials, financial institutions, energy projects and related entities alleged to be linked to Russia's war effort. It extends US measures to older and reflagged oil tankers said to have been used to circumvent global restrictions and preserve energy export revenues. The stated aim is to restrict financial flows that support Russia's economy and military campaign.

The bill is intended to force energy‑importing nations to choose between continuing to purchase discounted Russian energy and retaining access to the US market. India remains one of the largest buyers of Russian crude globally, alongside China.

India increased purchases of discounted Russian crude after the outbreak of the Russia–Ukraine conflict in 2022 to secure national energy needs amid global market turmoil. While Russia was not historically a primary supplier to India, discounted crude allowed Indian refiners to optimise raw material costs and ensure uninterrupted domestic supplies, particularly during transit disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

(With input from RSS/ANI)