US trade tensions with India have escalated sharply following White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro’s sustained attacks on New Delhi’s economic policies. Navarro, echoing President Trump’s protectionist agenda, accused India of imposing the world’s highest tariffs on American goods and publicly blamed India for “profiteering” from discounted Russian crude—charges he claims fund Moscow’s war in Ukraine. On September 8, the US administration enforced a steep 50 percent tariff on Indian exports, up from the initial 25 percent, linking it directly to India’s continued energy trade with Russia. Navarro’s rhetoric included calling India the “Maharaja of tariffs” and warning bilateral ties “won’t end well” unless India shifts course. Despite mounting pressure, India responded firmly, calling these allegations and punitive tariffs “unjustified and unreasonable,” while reiterating its right to strategic autonomy in energy policy. The Indian government also recently cut GST on hundreds of goods to cushion domestic impact and highlighted ongoing dialogue, with both President Trump and Prime Minister Modi expressing willingness to resolve differences and uphold the critical strategic partnership between the world’s largest democracies.