Sitharaman slams 'friends of imperialists' defending Navarro’s India comment

National News: The controversial statement of US President Donald Trump's trade advisor Peter Navarro has intensified political turmoil in India. Navarro recently said that India is making profits by buying oil from Russia and the "Brahmin" class is taking advantage of it. There has been strong protest in India over this comment. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman termed it as linked to colonial mentality and criticized those who are defending this statement.

Controversy over "Brahmin" comment

Navarro posted on the social media platform 'X' and claimed that India makes profits by buying oil from Russia, and this revenue strengthens Russia's war machine. He said that Brahmins are getting the benefit of this. This comment sparked a debate in political circles in India. Some leaders tried to explain it by linking it to the American context of 'Boston Brahmins.' In America, this word is used for the wealthy and influential class there.

Sitharaman's tough stand

Nirmala Sitharaman completely rejected this argument and said that this is the same policy that the British used to divide people in India. She said, "Today, when India has been independent for more than 75-80 years, even then, if any Indian defends such statements, it is like promoting colonial thinking. Indians should develop their own thinking and not depend on external interpretations."

Sitharaman also put those Indians in the dock who are defending Navarro's statement. She said, "I want those people to say clearly that India is now independent, and we do not need such language or terminology. We should take our own decisions and maintain our dignity."

Opposition leaders' reaction

Differences were also seen in the opposition regarding Navarro's remarks. Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sagarika Ghosh said that the word 'Brahmin' has been used for the rich class in America. At the same time, TMC leader Saket Gokhale said that Navarro is from Cambridge, and there this word is used for people associated with the old noble tradition.

India's official stand

The Indian government had already rejected Navarro's criticism. The Ministry of External Affairs said that such comments are not only misleading but also an attempt to harm India's image. The ministry also clarified that the relationship between India and America is based on shared democratic values, ​​​​and dialogue between the two countries is continuing in trade and strategic cooperation.

This controversy has once again made it clear that there are differences between America and India regarding economic relations, but India is not ready to accept any external pressure.