Washington, Aug. 21 -- White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro on Thursday (local time) claimed that India is cozying up to China's President Xi Jinping, adding New Delhi of acting as a "laundromat for the Kremlin" by purchasing discounted Russian crude oil, refining it, and selling the products at a premium globally.

However, Navarro mixed his criticism with praise for India's leadership, adding that "the road to peace runs through New Delhi."

He said that this arrangement allows Russia to fund its war efforts in Ukraine, while India profits from the transactions.

"India doesn't appear to want to recognise its role in the bloodshed... It's cosying up to Xi Jinping (Chinese President). They (India) don't need the (Russian) oil. It's a ...