India Rejects Peter Navarro’s Controversial Claims on Oil Trade

The Indian government has strongly criticized remarks made by Peter Navarro, the White House Trade Adviser, calling them “inaccurate and misleading.” The response came following Navarro’s justification of a 50 percent tariff imposed by former President Donald Trump on imports from India, along with a caste-based comment that accused the Brahmins of profiting at the expense of the Indian populace.

During a media briefing on September 5, 2025, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), emphasized the significance of the relationship between the United States and India. He stated, “We have seen the inaccurate and misleading statements made by Mr. Navarro and obviously we reject them. This relationship is very important for us. Both our countries share a comprehensive global strategic partnership, anchored in our shared interests, democratic values, and robust people-to-people ties.”

Jaiswal underscored that the partnership has remained resilient through various transitions and challenges. He expressed optimism for the future, stating, “We remain focused on the substantive agenda that our two countries have committed to, and we hope that the relationship will continue to move forward based on mutual respect and shared interests.”

Navarro’s comments included a controversial assertion that India functions as “nothing but a laundromat for the Kremlin,” criticizing New Delhi’s trade practices and geopolitical alignments that allegedly counter US interests. He further claimed that India’s high tariffs harm American workers and taxpayers while enabling Russia to continue its military actions in Ukraine.

In a separate statement, Navarro condemned Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for engaging with Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping at the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. He described Modi’s interactions as “shameful,” arguing that India should prioritize its relationships with the US, Europe, and Ukraine instead of strengthening ties with Russia.

The MEA spokesperson also acknowledged the Quad alliance, highlighting its role as a valuable forum for discussions among member countries on shared interests. He indicated that India continues to engage with the US on trade issues and welcomes initiatives aimed at establishing peace in Ukraine.

In the backdrop of these developments, former President Trump remarked on social media, suggesting that India and Russia have been lost to “deepest, darkest China,” expressing concerns about the geopolitical landscape.

As the situation unfolds, both nations are expected to continue navigating the complexities of their relationship, focusing on mutual interests and strategic cooperation.