Inaccurate and misleading: India refutes Trump aides bizarre Brahmin profiteering
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly condemned White House trade advisor Peter Navarro's accusations of "Brahmin profiteering" in India. The MEA called Navarro's statements inaccurate and misleading, emphasizing the strong US-India strategic partnership.
New Delhi: India has categorically refuted White House trade advisor Peter Navarro's baffling allegations that "Brahmins are profiteering” at the expense of common people in our country.
He made the bizarre claim while justifying US President Donald Trump's decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian goods. Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), firmly dismissed Navarro’s remarks, calling them "inaccurate and misleading.”
What did the MEA say about Navarro's comment?
During a press briefing, Jaiswal said, "We have seen the inaccurate and misleading statements made by Mr. (Peter) Navarro and obviously, we reject them.” He also spoke on the relation between India and US and said both countries share a 'comprehensive and global strategic partnership'.
The MEA spokesperson said, "Both countries share a comprehensive, global strategic partnership, which is anchored in a shared interest, democratic values, and robust people-to-people ties. This partnership has weathered several transitions and challenges. We remain focused on the substantive agenda that our two countries have committed to, and we hope that the relationship will continue to move forward based on mutual respect and shared interests."
He was also asked about Azerbaijan's claim of its SCO membership bid being blocked, to which Jaiswal said, "This year, both Armenia and Azerbaijan submitted applications for membership. Due to time constraints, a decision on the issue could not be taken by Member States in Tianjin. The matter continues to be under consideration by the group.”
When asked about sharing flood-related information with Pakistan, Jaiswal clarified, "Flood data is being shared via our High Commission, as part of humanitarian consideration.” Also, he informed that India remains engaged with the US side on trade issues.
What did Peter Navarro say?
White House trade advisor Peter Navarro has repeatedly slammed India for buying oil from Russia, echoing Trump's allegation of fueling Moscow's war in Ukraine.
While speaking on Fox News, he claimed India was reselling refined Russian oil to the West, branding the country a "laundromat for the Kremlin.” He alleged, "Modi is a great leader. I don't understand why he's getting into bed with Putin and Xi when he's the biggest democracy in the world. I would simply say to the Indian people, please, understand what is going on here, you have Brahmins profiteering at the expense of the Indian people. We need that to stop.”