US trade advisor Peter Navarro criticized India’s purchase of Russian oil, labeling it “blood money” and claiming it supports the Russian war effort. He highlighted that India did not import significant quantities before the Ukraine conflict, while also attacking India’s trade practices and tariffs. In response, India defended its energy procurement decisions as driven by national interest and market dynamics, emphasizing that its actions were a legitimate response to Western sanctions on Russia. This exchange reflects the growing tensions in US-India relations, particularly in the context of energy security and geopolitical strategies amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.