‘Nasty little attacks’: US trade adviser says India ‘firebombed’ him online after criticism of Russian oil purchases

White House trade adviser and presidential counsellor Peter Navarro said on Tuesday that he faced a wave of online criticism in India after making public comments about New Delhi’s trade policies and its purchases of Russian crude oil.

Speaking to reporters in Washington, Navarro said the backlash followed an opinion article in which he criticised India’s role in the global energy trade amid the Russia-Ukraine war.

“I actually got firebombed by the Indian continent on the internet with all sorts of nasty little attacks,” Navarro said.

“All I would say to you, don’t do that. That’s not how we resolve problems here in America.”

Navarro’s criticism of India’s Russian oil imports

Navarro’s comments come amid continuing disagreements between Washington and New Delhi over India’s purchases of Russian oil.

India significantly increased its imports of discounted Russian crude after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The purchases have repeatedly drawn criticism from the US and other Western countries, which have sought to restrict Russia’s energy revenues.

In previous opinion pieces and media appearances, Navarro has argued that India’s role in refining Russian crude and exporting petroleum products has helped support the Russian economy.

Those claims have faced strong criticism from Indian officials and commentators, who have defended the country’s energy policy and stressed the importance of securing affordable supplies for Indian consumers.

The dispute has added to broader tensions between the two countries over trade, tariffs and energy policy.

Navarro says Trump, Modi can resolve differences

Despite the disagreements, Navarro said the broader relationship between Washington and New Delhi remains strong.

He pointed to the relationship between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the two leaders were capable of handling differences over trade and other issues directly.

“The President and your Prime Minister have a very good working relationship,” Navarro said.

“They are going to work that out amongst themselves, and it’s not for me to get between that.”

His remarks appeared to signal that his criticism of India’s policies should not be viewed as a reflection of the overall state of US-India relations.

Trade and energy remain sensitive issues

The comments come as Washington and New Delhi continue discussions over trade and tariffs, while India’s purchases of Russian crude remain a contentious issue in bilateral relations.

India has maintained that its energy purchases are driven by economic considerations and the need to secure reliable supplies. New Delhi has also repeatedly defended its right to source energy from international markets based on its national interests.