The American Jewish Committee (AJC), a prominent US advocacy group, has sharply criticized US officials for targeting India over its purchase of Russian oil, calling their remarks "deeply troubling" and urging a reset in US-India relations. The statement follows escalating rhetoric from the Trump administration, particularly White House trade adviser Peter Navarro, who labeled the Russia-Ukraine conflict “Modi’s war” and claimed the “road to peace” runs through New Delhi, accusing India of funding Russia’s war machine.

India, which increased its Russian oil imports from less than 1% to 42% since the Ukraine conflict began in 2022, has faced 50% US tariffs—25% reciprocal and 25% for Russian oil purchases—effective August 27, 2025. The AJC, in a social media post, expressed regret over India’s reliance on Russian oil but emphasized that India, a key democratic ally, is not responsible for Russia’s actions. “India isn’t responsible for Putin’s war crimes and has a crucial role in Great Power competition,” the group stated, calling Navarro’s remarks a “scurrilous charge.”

India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has defended the oil purchases, noting that the US and Europe encouraged India to buy Russian oil post-2022 to stabilize global energy markets. “If you have problems buying oil from India, don’t buy it. Europe and America are buying,” Jaishankar said, highlighting that China, importing 2 million barrels daily, faces no similar penalties. India argues that its $13.39 lakh crore in Russian oil purchases since 2022 has saved billions, helping manage inflation for its 1.4 billion population.

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The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit’s August 29 ruling, declaring most of Trump’s global tariffs unlawful, has bolstered India’s position. The Democrats’ House Foreign Affairs Committee, citing Representative Gregory Meeks, urged Congress to terminate Trump’s “national emergency” declaration used to justify the tariffs, accusing him of sabotaging US-India ties by singling out India while sparing China. Former US officials, including Kenneth Juster, expressed hope for a Modi-Trump meeting to resolve tensions.

Russia’s embassy in India, through diplomat Roman Babushkin, backed New Delhi, calling US sanctions “unjustified” and offering Russia as an alternative market for Indian exports. Social media reflects mixed sentiments, with some praising India’s defiance and others criticizing US double standards. As trade talks falter, India’s strategic pivot toward BRICS and closer ties with Moscow and Beijing signals a potential realignment, challenging decades of warming US-India relations.

Also Read: Trump Mulls Tariffs on China for Russian Oil Imports