Former Trump advisor Peter Navarro’s claims concerning India’s oil purchases from Russia were widely disputed on Elon Musk’s ‘X’ platform. Community members actively fact-checked Navarro’s assertions, resulting in the addition of notes to his posts that debunked his arguments. Navarro then turned his criticism toward Elon Musk.
Navarro’s X post alleged that India’s purchase of Russian oil was purely for profit and was thus funding Russia’s war efforts. However, X users countered these claims with community notes explaining that India’s oil trade also serves to ensure its energy security. The notes also emphasized that India’s actions are in compliance with international sanctions. Furthermore, the notes highlighted that the U.S. itself engages in trade with Russia, implying a double standard in the criticism. Navarro reacted by dismissing the notes as ‘nonsense,’ and accused Elon Musk of allowing the spread of false information.
Navarro’s post included the claim that India’s high tariffs are detrimental to American jobs, that India buys Russian oil solely for profit, thereby fueling the Russian war machine. He also asserted that American taxpayers would bear the cost. He referenced a Washington Post article and had previously used harsh terms to criticize India, including references to ‘tariff king’, ‘Russia’s money laundering machine,’ and ‘Modi’s war in Ukraine’.