Janhit: Is the U.S. Fueling Caste Tensions in India? Navarro’s Statement Raises Alarm | ABP NEWS

U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade advisor, Peter Navarro, has stirred controversy with his recent statement alleging that the benefits of India’s Russian oil imports are going primarily to the Brahmin caste. His remarks, seen by many as racially charged and divisive, have triggered a storm of criticism in India across political and social lines. Navarro claimed that Brahmins are "profiting at the expense of the Indian people", which many view as an uninformed and dangerous generalization. Critics argue this may be part of a broader agenda to incite caste-based divisions in India — reminiscent of colonial-era “divide and rule” tactics. The statement has not only drawn backlash from Indian political leaders like Priyanka Chaturvedi and Sagarika Ghose, but also from U.S. analysts. Jared Grossman, an Indo-Pacific expert, emphasized that encouraging caste discord should never be part of U.S. foreign policy. Navarro's past remarks, such as blaming Modi for the Russia-Ukraine war, already sparked criticism. Now, this latest statement has only fueled concerns over foreign interference and the use of identity politics for geopolitical leverage. India’s leadership has rejected the claims, reiterating that PM Modi governs inclusively and any foreign commentary on internal matters is unwelcome.