Peter Navarro’s "Brahmins" Remark on India Sparks Backlash | Vantage with Palki Sharma | N18G

 

Peter Navarro’s recent comments accusing Indian “Brahmins” of profiteering in the context of the SCO Summit sparked significant backlash, particularly after his remarks on India’s oil trade and diplomacy circulated via the news show "Vantage with Palki Sharma" from Firstpost.

 

Navarro's Controversial Statement

1. Caste Remark: Navarro, Trump’s former trade adviser, said, “You’ve got Brahmins profiteering at the expense of the Indian people. We need that to stop,” while criticizing India’s ties with Russia and China at the summit.
2. Context: His remarks came after photos of Narendra Modi, Vladimir Putin, and Xi Jinping enjoying friendly moments at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit went viral, drawing attention to India’s continued trade and diplomatic engagement with Russia despite American criticism.
3. Reaction: The caste-based accusation was widely viewed as a dog whistle and a deliberate attempt to paint India as feudal and corrupt, ignoring real facts about India’s oil trade, global market stability, and adherence to international norms.

Analysis by Vantage with Palki Sharma

1. Fact-Check: The show debunked Navarro’s claims, explaining that India’s purchases of Russian oil help stabilize global prices and also supply Ukraine’s energy needs, exposing the hypocrisy of Western criticism since the US and Europe continue to trade with Russia as well.
2. India’s Position: India was lauded for transparent and compliant energy transactions, with the government reaffirming it has not broken any rules and will not abandon Russian oil just because US views have shifted.
3. Diplomatic Takeaways: The summit highlighted India's pursuit of “sovereignty first” in connectivity projects and a pragmatic multi-aligned foreign policy—fostering ties with Russia, China, and Central Asia, navigating US tariffs, and countering Pakistan on terrorism.

Regional and Global Impact

1. Summit Outcomes: India secured international condemnation of the recent Pahelgam attack (targeting Pakistan’s cross-border terror), initiated a cautious diplomatic reset with China, and showcased its alternative trade vision against American and Chinese models.
2. Backlash: Navarro’s remarks triggered criticism from Indian media and social commentators, reinforcing India's stance on acting independently and challenging stereotypes.

 

Peter Navarro’s “Brahmins” remark was strongly rejected and dissected by the Indian media, with Vantage host Palki Sharma emphasizing the flawed logic and double standards behind such rhetoric.