Archive · 12 Aug 2026
Trade adviser: India 'firebombed' me online over Russian oil
There is a man in America named Peter Navarro whose job is to give advice about trade.
He complained about India buying oil from Russia.
Russia is at war with Ukraine, and America does not want other countries to help Russia make money.
After he complained, lots of people in India wrote angry messages about him on the internet.
Navarro said it felt like he was being 'firebombed' online.
India says it needs to buy cheap oil so its people can afford fuel.
The two countries are also arguing about trade rules and taxes on goods.
Navarro says the leaders, President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, like each other and will solve the problem.
Even though people are arguing, the two countries still want to stay friends.
White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said he was 'firebombed' online by users in India after criticizing the country's trade policies and Russian crude purchases.
Navarro made the remarks to reporters in Washington on Tuesday, following an opinion article in which he criticized India's role in global energy trade.
India significantly increased imports of discounted Russian crude after Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, drawing repeated criticism from the US and other Western countries.
Indian officials and commentators have defended India's energy policy, stressing the importance of securing affordable supplies for Indian consumers.
Navarro said President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have a 'very good working relationship' and can resolve differences directly.
- Who
- Peter Navarro, White House trade adviser and presidential counsellor, who spoke after facing online criticism from India.
- What
- Navarro said he was 'firebombed' with online attacks in India after criticizing New Delhi's trade policies and purchases of Russian crude oil.
- When
- Tuesday, when Navarro spoke to reporters in Washington.
- Where
- Washington, with the online backlash coming from India.
- Why
- Because of his criticism of India's Russian oil purchases amid the Russia-Ukraine war, adding to wider US-India tensions over trade, tariffs and energy policy.
India's Perspective
US/Western Perspective
Russian oil purchases
India's Perspective
India's purchases of discounted Russian crude are driven by economic considerations and the need to secure affordable, reliable supplies for its consumers; New Delhi has defended its right to source energy based on national interests.
US/Western Perspective
India's role in refining Russian crude and exporting petroleum products helps support the Russian economy, undermining Western efforts to restrict Russia's energy revenues during the war in Ukraine.
Online backlash
India's Perspective
Indian officials and commentators strongly criticized Navarro's claims and defended the country's energy policy.
US/Western Perspective
Navarro said the wave of 'nasty little attacks' was inappropriate and 'not how we resolve problems here in America.'
- Person involved
- Peter Navarro, White House trade adviser and presidential counsellor
- Context
- India increased imports of discounted Russian crude after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine
- US concern
- India's refining and export of Russian petroleum products help support the Russian economy
- India's position
- Energy purchases driven by economic considerations and the need for affordable, reliable supplies
- Wider tensions
- Disagreements over trade, tariffs and energy policy between Washington and New Delhi
- Leadership relations
- Navarro cited a 'very good working relationship' between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi
- Navarro's warning
- Said online attacks are 'not how we resolve problems here in America'