VOI World/ Desk
In a controversial Fox News interview, former White House trade adviser Peter Navarro accused India of “bankrolling Russia” through its continued purchase of Russian oil. Navarro went further by invoking India’s caste system, claiming that Brahmin elites are profiting off these deals at the expense of ordinary Indians.
Navarro also criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ties with leaders like Putin and Xi Jinping, labeling India a “strategic freeloader” and warning that its actions destabilize the global order.
The Indian government swiftly hit back, calling Navarro’s remarks hypocritical given that both the U.S. and EU continue importing Russian energy and industrial goods. Indian officials defended New Delhi’s measured approach, noting its adherence to global norms and efforts to stabilize fuel prices. Meanwhile, the U.S. has imposed a 50% tariff on Indian imports in response to India’s energy policy.
These unsubstantiated claims have sparked debate in both capitals about the potential impact of politically charged rhetoric on delicate trade relations and strategic autonomy.
