India's Stance on US Pressure: Vikas Swarup Responds to Navarro's Criticism

Rising Tensions Between India and the US

Recent days have highlighted escalating tensions in the relationship between India and the United States. Vikas Swarup, a former spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, has voiced significant concerns regarding the pressures being applied to India by the Trump administration. This comes as White House trade advisor Peter Navarro has been vocally criticizing India's trade practices and its oil imports from Russia.

Swarup cautioned that the Trump administration is exerting various forms of pressure on the Indian government, referencing Navarro's recent comments. Navarro has been particularly vocal, labeling India as the 'maharaja of tariffs' and condemning its purchases of Russian oil.

In response, Swarup firmly stated that India adheres to the principle of strategic autonomy and will not allow itself to be 'dictated' by external forces. He remarked, 'The current relationship is not in good shape. We had hoped that the strong personal rapport between PM Modi and President Trump would lead to an early trade deal, but that has not materialized.'

He emphasized India's pride as a nation and reiterated that it will not succumb to external pressures. Despite the current challenges, Swarup remains optimistic, suggesting that there is still time for both nations to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. However, he noted that Navarro's comments are not conducive to improving relations.

Navarro has taken a hardline stance in defending President Trump's decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian imports, accusing India of benefiting from Russian oil. He claims that this tariff is intended to cut off financial support that India allegedly provides to Moscow amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.