Sun Sep 07 03:51:34 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Navarro Doubles Down on India Criticism, Prompting Fact-Check and Musk Rebuke**
Washington D.C. – Former Trump administration trade advisor Peter Navarro is once again under fire for his continued attacks on India’s trade and foreign policies, particularly its relationship with Russia. In a recent social media post, Navarro accused India of “profiteering” from Russian oil imports, alleging that these purchases fuel the Russian war machine and ultimately harm Ukrainian lives and U.S. taxpayers.
However, the post was quickly flagged and fact-checked by X, the social media platform, which countered Navarro’s claims. The fact-checking note stated that India’s oil purchases are for energy security and do not violate sanctions. It also pointed out that while India has tariffs, the U.S. maintains a trade surplus with India in services and continues to import billions in Russian goods, including uranium, exposing a “hypocritical double standard.”
The platform further clarified that India’s sovereign purchases of Russian oil for energy security do not violate international law.
Navarro responded to the fact-check with outrage, accusing Elon Musk, the owner of X, of allowing “propaganda” to be spread. He labeled the fact-checking note as “crap,” reiterating his claim that India is buying Russian oil solely to profit.
This latest episode is part of a pattern of criticism from Navarro, particularly since the Trump administration imposed secondary tariffs on India for its continued trade with Russia. Navarro has previously referred to the Russia-Ukraine conflict as “Modi’s war” and accused India of being a “laundromat for the Kremlin” and the “Maharaj of tariffs.”
These escalating tensions come amid strained relations between India and the U.S. following the imposition of tariffs. While President Trump has expressed disappointment in India’s oil purchases from Russia, he has also affirmed his friendship with Prime Minister Modi and called the India-U.S. relationship “very special.” Prime Minister Modi has reciprocated these sentiments, hinting at a potential resolution to the current trade disputes.
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