Indian Leaders Reject Navarro’s ‘Brahmin Profiteering’ Claim
White House trade adviser Peter Navarro sparked outrage after accusing India’s Brahmin community of “profiteering at the expense of the Indian people.” He alleged that India acts as a “laundromat for the Kremlin” by refining discounted Russian oil and reselling it to Western markets at higher prices. Navarro used this claim to justify the Trump administration’s decision to impose 50% tariffs on Indian goods.
Priyanka Chaturvedi Slams Remark
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi sharply criticized Navarro’s statement, describing it as “meltdown at its peak.” She said the comments reflected a lack of seriousness in U.S. trade arguments and showed a deliberate attempt to target a community without basis.
Sanjeev Sanyal Calls It Colonial Echo
Economist Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, also pushed back. He said Navarro’s framing echoed colonial stereotypes and distorted discussions about India’s economic system. Sanyal stressed that India’s trade and energy strategies should be debated on their merits, not through divisive rhetoric.
