Navarro has intensified his criticism of India’s oil purchases from Russia, dismissing fact-checks as foreign propaganda and alleging that Indian interests manipulate U.S. political discourse. He contends that India profited from discounted Russian oil post-Ukraine invasion, which he associates with negative impacts on U.S. jobs. His remarks reflect broader tensions in U.S.-India relations, as they coincide with reports of escalating friction over trade practices, particularly high tariffs imposed by India. This situation highlights the delicate balance in U.S.-India diplomatic ties, where economic interests and geopolitical narratives often collide, affecting perceptions in both nations.