'Refining profit sharing scheme': Trump aide slams India over Russia oil buying

White House trade adviser Peter Navarro blasted India for continuing to buy Russian oil and said he expects punitive tariffs of 50 per cent on imports from the South Asian nation to kick in as planned next week.

- BLOOMBERG

"I see that taking place," Navarro told reporters in front of the White House when asked about the tariffs on India that are set to double on August 27. "India doesn't appear to want to recognise its role in the bloodshed. It simply doesn't. It's cozying up to Xi Jinping, is what it's doing."

The fresh salvo is the latest from the trade hawk and comes after India has signalled it'll keep buying Russian oil, a step that would preserve a vital market for Moscow. Stung by the steep 50 per cent levy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has reiterated its long-standing friendship with Russia and moved to ease tensions with regional rival China in recent days.