As tensions rise over trade and foreign policy, former White House adviser Peter Navarro once again lashed out at India, accusing it of “profiteering” from Russian oil imports. His latest post on X alleged that India’s purchases were “solely to profit” and that revenues were feeding Russia’s war machine in Ukraine.
However, this time, X users fact-checked his claims, pointing out that India’s oil imports were aimed at energy security rather than profit, and did not breach Western sanctions. They also noted that while India imposes tariffs, the US enjoys a trade surplus in services and itself continues to import some commodities from Russia — exposing the hypocrisy of Navarro’s stance.
Angered by the pushback, Navarro dismissed the community note as “crap” and criticized Elon Musk for “letting propaganda into people’s posts.” He doubled down on his allegations, writing:
“India buys Russia oil solely to profiteer. It didn’t buy any before Russia invaded Ukraine. Indian govt spin machine moving high tilt. Stop killing Ukrainians. Stop taking American jobs.”
This was the latest in a string of inflammatory remarks. Navarro has previously branded India the “Maharaja of tariffs,” a “laundromat for the Kremlin,” and even claimed “Modi’s war in Ukraine.” In a particularly controversial statement, he said “Brahmins are profiteering at the expense of Indian people” — a remark India officially rejected as “inaccurate.” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Friday, “We have seen some inaccurate statements made by him. We reject them.”
Navarro’s tirades come against the backdrop of Trump administration’s fresh tariff escalation. On August 27, the US imposed an additional 25% duty on Indian imports, doubling the penalty to 50%. The move was justified by Trump as a response to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, further straining bilateral trade and diplomatic ties.
Meanwhile, The Washington Post reported that such language from Washington was worsening relations with New Delhi, raising concerns over the trajectory of the India-US partnership.
