New York, August 30, 2025 – In a significant development amid escalating tensions between the United States and India, the American Jewish Committee (AJC), a prominent Jewish advocacy group, has publicly expressed its support for India, criticizing recent remarks made by U.S. officials. The AJC’s statement comes in response to comments by White House trade adviser Peter Navarro, who controversially labeled the Russia-Ukraine conflict as “Modi’s war” and suggested that the path to peace runs through New Delhi.
In a strongly worded post on the social media platform X on August 29, the AJC stated it was “mystified and deeply troubled” by what it described as a “chorus of attacks” on India by U.S. officials. The group specifically called out Navarro’s remarks as a “scurrilous charge,” emphasizing that India is not responsible for the Russia-Ukraine conflict. “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,” the AJC declared, urging a reset in U.S.-India relations.
The controversy stems from the Trump administration’s recent intensification of criticism against India for its continued purchase of Russian oil, which U.S. officials, including Navarro and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, have claimed is “funding” Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “war machine” in Ukraine. The administration’s stance is tied to President Donald Trump’s imposition of hefty tariffs on Indian goods, including a 25% reciprocal tariff and an additional 25% penalty specifically targeting India’s energy trade with Russia. These tariffs, which took effect on August 1, 2025, affect over 55% of Indian exports to the U.S., India’s largest trading partner, impacting labor-intensive sectors such as textiles and jewelry.
India has staunchly defended its energy purchases, noting that Russian oil now constitutes 35-40% of its crude imports, up from less than 2% before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Indian officials have called the U.S. tariffs “unjustified and unreasonable,” arguing that the country is securing the best deals to meet the energy demands of its 1.4 billion people. New Delhi has also pointed out that other major importers of Russian oil, such as China and the European Union, have not faced similar penalties, raising concerns about a perceived double standard.
The AJC’s intervention highlights the strategic importance of the U.S.-India relationship, which has been cultivated over decades by successive American administrations. The group underscored India’s role as a key democratic ally and a counterweight to China in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly within the framework of the Quad partnership, which includes the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia. The AJC’s call for a “reset” in bilateral ties comes at a time when analysts warn that the Trump administration’s actions risk undermining a partnership that has been a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy in Asia.
The Trump administration’s tariffs have also faced domestic legal challenges. On August 30, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled that most of Trump’s sweeping global tariffs, including those on India, were unlawful. Following this ruling, the Democrats-led House Foreign Affairs Committee urged Speaker Mike Johnson to bring forward Representative Gregory Meeks’ resolution to terminate Trump’s “national emergency” declaration, which was used to justify the tariffs. The committee also criticized the administration for disproportionately targeting India while overlooking China, the largest buyer of Russian oil, accusing Trump of “sabotaging” the bilateral relationship.
Indian government sources have reiterated that New Delhi will continue its oil purchases from Moscow, emphasizing the “steady and time-tested” relationship with Russia. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has stated that its ties with Russia should not be viewed through the lens of third countries, reflecting India’s commitment to safeguarding its national interests and economic security.
The AJC’s support has been met with positive reactions in India, with posts on X highlighting the significance of the Jewish community’s backing. One post by @TimesAlgebraIND described the development as an “unprecedented climax,” noting the AJC’s reminder to the Trump administration of India’s democratic credentials and strategic importance. The advocacy group’s stance is seen as a boost for India at a time when it faces mounting pressure from the U.S. over its energy and trade policies.
As India prepares to host the Quad Leaders’ Summit later this year, the ongoing tensions with the U.S. pose challenges for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. Analysts suggest that the tariffs and critical rhetoric from Washington could push India to reconsider its strategic alignments, potentially deepening ties with Russia and China. However, optimism persists in some quarters, with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressing confidence in the resilience of U.S.-India ties, citing the strong personal connection between Trump and Modi.
For now, the AJC’s defense of India underscores the complexities of global alliances in a time of geopolitical flux. As the world’s largest democracy and a rising economic power, India continues to navigate its strategic priorities while maintaining its long-standing relationships with both the U.S. and Russia.
For the latest updates on U.S.-India relations and global trade, visit www.nriglobe.com.
