US Jewish group backs India, calls for reset of bilateral ties

NEW YORK: An American Jewish advocacy group has slammed US officials for criticising India for its purchase of Russian oil, asserting that New Delhi is "not responsible" for the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and called for a "reset" of US-India ties.

Trump administration members have lately upped their criticism of India for buying energy from Moscow, saying that this is "funding" Russian President Vladimir Putin's "war machine" in the whole Ukraine conflict.

The remarks by the American Jewish Committee on Friday came after White House trade adviser Peter Navarro called the conflict "Modi's war" and said that the "road to peace" runs partly "right through New Delhi".

In a social media post, the Jewish advocacy group said it was "mystified and deeply troubled by the chorus of attacks on India by US officials", and called Navarro's remarks a "scurrilous charge".

"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, and has a crucial role to play in Great Power competition," it said. "It's time to reset this vital relationship," it added.

Trump has imposed 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs on India and an additional 25 per cent for purchases of Russian oil.