Washington, Aug 30 — The American Jewish Committee (AJC) on Friday strongly criticised U.S. officials for blaming India over the Russia-Ukraine war, saying New Delhi was “not responsible” for the conflict and urging a reset of the U.S.-India relationship.
The statement came after White House trade adviser Peter Navarro described the war as “Modi’s war” and claimed the “road to peace” runs partly “through New Delhi.” Navarro has been attacking India in recent days, accusing it of funding Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “war machine” by purchasing energy from Moscow.
In a social media post, the Jewish advocacy group rejected those assertions as baseless. “We are mystified and deeply troubled by the chorus of attacks on India by U.S. officials,” the AJC said, calling Navarro’s remark a “scurrilous charge.”
“We regret energy-hungry India’s reliance on Russian oil — but India isn’t responsible for Putin’s war crimes, is a sister democracy and an increasingly important strategic partner of the United States, and has a crucial role to play in Great Power competition,” the group added. “It’s time to reset this vital relationship.”
Tensions between Washington and New Delhi have escalated as former President Donald Trump’s administration hardened its trade and tariff policies. Trump recently imposed a 25 percent reciprocal tariff on India, along with an additional 25 percent levy on purchases of Russian oil. India has denounced the measures as “unjustified and unreasonable,” saying, “Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.”
The criticism of India has also triggered pushback in U.S. political circles. Earlier this week, the House Foreign Affairs Committee accused Trump of “singling out” India for Russian oil imports while avoiding similar sanctions on China, which buys more crude from Moscow. The committee said Trump’s tariffs are undermining a key bilateral partnership.
Meanwhile, in a significant setback for Trump’s trade strategy, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled on Friday that most of his sweeping global tariffs were unlawful. Following the judgment, Democrats on the House Foreign Affairs Committee urged Speaker Mike Johnson to advance a resolution by Representative Gregory Meeks to terminate Trump’s “national emergency” declaration that enabled the tariffs.
In its latest post, the committee accused Johnson of “covering for Trump’s lawlessness” by blocking debate on the measure.
Navarro, who served as Trump’s Senior Counsellor for Trade and Manufacturing, has been one of the most vocal critics of India in the wake of the downturn in U.S.-India ties. His comments, however, have now drawn condemnation from advocacy groups and lawmakers alike, underscoring growing divisions in Washington over how to handle New Delhi’s energy ties with Moscow.
