Brahmins Profiteering Off Russian Oil: Trump Official’s New India Insult
India-West News Desk
WASHINGTON, DC — White House trade advisor Peter Navarro has escalated his criticism of India, saying Brahmins were “profiteering at the expense of the Indian people” while defending President Donald Trump’s decision to slap 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods.
His remarks have drawn severe criticism in India, with almost all political parties vocally condemning his statements.
In a Fox News interview, Navarro described India as “nothing but a laundromat for the Kremlin,” citing its role in buying discounted Russian oil, refining it, and selling it abroad at a premium. “Putin gives Modi a discount on crude. They refine it and ship it to Europe, Africa, and Asia, and they make a ton of money. It fuels the Russian war machine,” Navarro said. “The Brahmins are profiteering while ordinary Indians pay the price.”
Navarro’s remarks reflected the Trump administration’s frustration as India deepens its ties with Russia and maintains dialogue with Chinese President Xi Jinping, even while Washington pushes New Delhi to fall in line. Striking images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in warm interactions with Putin and Xi at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin this week only reinforced concerns that India is digging in with alternative partners.
The advisor went further, labeling India the “Maharaja of tariffs” and accusing New Delhi of shutting out U.S. exports while flooding American markets. “They export us a bunch of stuff. They won’t let us sell to them. Who gets hurt? Workers in America, taxpayers in America, Ukrainians on the ground in cities hit by Russian drones,” he said.
While Navarro acknowledged Modi as a “great leader,” he questioned why India — “the biggest democracy in the world” — was “getting into bed with Putin and Xi Jinping.”
This is not Navarro’s first attack. He has repeatedly branded India an “oil money laundromat” and even referred to the Ukraine war as “Modi’s war.” New Delhi has countered by pointing to Western double standards, including Europe’s continued trade with Russia and Washington’s own reliance on Russian supplies for its civil nuclear industry.
Ajay Jain Bhutoria, CA
/
As an Indian American, I am deeply disturbed and strongly condemn the recent statement made by Peter Navarro, a Trump advisor,. His comment, “I want Indians to understand what is going on. Brahmins are profiteering by buying Russian oil at the expense of the Indian people,” is not only inflammatory but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes based on caste. This rhetoric is an affront to the 5.5 million Indian Americans who contribute significantly to the fabric of this nation.
Such divisive and baseless remarks are unacceptable, especially from someone associated with the White House. They undermine the strong partnership between the United States and India, which is built on mutual respect, shared values, and robust trade agreements that benefit both nations. Indian Americans stand for policies and trade deals that serve the best interests of both countries, fostering economic growth and global cooperation.
I urge for accountability and a rejection of such harmful narratives. We, as a community, deserve respect and unity, not division based on outdated or discriminatory tropes. I call on all leaders and media to denounce this statement and work toward strengthening the U.S.-India relationship.
September 1, 2025