Peter Navarro Rages Over Fact-Check on India-Russia Oil Trade, Calls Community Note ‘Crap;

Washington, D.C. — Former White House advisor Peter Navarro lashed out on Sunday after one of his posts criticizing India’s oil trade with Russia was flagged by a community note on X (formerly Twitter). Navarro, known for his outspoken views on trade and foreign policy, accused India of buying Russian oil solely for profit and claimed it was indirectly fueling Russia’s war in Ukraine. However, the platform’s community note quickly fact-checked his claim, clarifying that India’s energy trade with Russia was based on "energy security, not just profit," and that it did not violate any international sanctions. The note also pointed out that while India maintains some tariffs, the United States currently enjoys a trade surplus with India in the services sector. It further highlighted that the U.S. itself continues to import certain commodities from Russia — a fact many see as contradictory. Furious at being fact-checked, Navarro dismissed the note as "crap" and took aim at X owner Elon Musk, accusing him of "letting propaganda into people’s posts." Doubling down on his criticism of India, Navarro wrote: “That crap note below is just that. Crap. India buys Russia oil solely to profiteer. It didn’t buy any before Russia invaded Ukraine. Indian govt spin machine moving high tilt. Stop killing Ukrainians. Stop taking American jobs.” Navarro has repeatedly targeted India in recent months, especially after former President Donald Trump announced a sharp increase in tariffs on Indian imports. The new 25% duty, effective from August 27, brings the total tariff on certain Indian goods to 50%, with the Russian oil trade cited as a key reason behind the move. In previous posts, Navarro has used phrases like “Maharaja of Tariffs,” “Laundromat for the Kremlin,” and even “Modi’s war in Ukraine” to criticize India's foreign policy and economic decisions. One of his most controversial recent remarks — claiming that “Brahmins are profiteering at the expense of Indian people” — was firmly rejected by the Indian government. “We have seen some inaccurate statements made by him. We reject them,” said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Friday. Tensions between Washington and New Delhi have been simmering over trade and geopolitical issues, and recent rhetoric from figures like Navarro has done little to ease the situation. A recent report by The Washington Post noted that increasingly aggressive language from U.S. policymakers could further strain diplomatic ties with India, a key strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region.

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