Fri Sep 05 13:45:41 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**India Rejects “Inaccurate and Misleading” Statements by Former Trump Advisor Navarro**
**NEW DELHI, INDIA – September 5, 2025** – The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) today issued a strong rebuke of recent statements made by Peter Navarro, a senior trade advisor during Donald Trump’s presidency. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated unequivocally that India rejects Navarro’s comments, describing them as “inaccurate and misleading.”
The response comes after a series of attacks by Navarro on India’s trade and foreign policies since Trump’s return to office, fueling increasing tension between the United States and India.
Navarro’s most recent criticisms included labeling the Russia-Ukraine conflict as “Modi’s war,” claiming India’s continued purchase of Russian oil fuels Moscow’s military aggression. He pressured India to cease oil imports from Russia, promising a 25% tariff reduction in return.
He further accused India of operating a “laundromat for the Kremlin,” alleging that the country is profiting from importing discounted Russian crude oil, refining it, and exporting it at a premium. Navarro also made a casteist remark, accusing “Brahmins” of profiteering at the expense of the Indian people.
In addition, Navarro criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. He expressed disappointment in Modi’s alignment with Russia and China, urging him to align with the United States instead.
India has defended its purchase of Russian oil as necessary to maintain low energy prices and stabilize its domestic market. The country has also criticized the US’s punitive tariffs as unjustified. The MEA’s strong statement signals a continued firm stance against external pressure on its foreign policy decisions.
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