US-based Hindu advocacy group demands Peter Navarro's 'dismissal' from Trump administration over 'Brahmin' remark

“Navarro's rhetoric constitutes not only a cultural violation but also a reckless provocation that endangers the dignity of over a billion Hindus and threatens the foundational relationship between the two largest democracies," the advocacy group said in a statement.

White House trade advisor Peter Navarro, who is seen as a fierce critic of India, recently defended President Donald Trump's decision to impose 50 per cent tariffs and said targeting New Delhi that "Brahmins are profiteering' at the expense of the Indian people.

"Modi's a great leader... But I don't understand why he's getting into bed with Putin and Xi Jinping...when he's the leader of the biggest democracy in the world," he told Fox News during an interview.

“I want people to understand what’s happening. Brahmins are profiteering at the expense of the Indian people,” he said.

The remark drew sharp criticisms from Indian opposition leaders.

Shiv Sena leader Priyanka Chaturvedi wrote on X: "Peter Navarro’s Invocation of a particular caste identity in India to make his point, even if it is to imply the ‘privileged lot’ vis a vis the rest , is shameful and sinister."

She further said: " The usage of the word Brahmin (yes elite Boston Brahmins US context am aware) by someone senior in US Administration cannot come out of the blue in India’s context, this was deliberate. So please sit out on explaining this one."

India-US bilateral ties witnessed a deteriorations after the Trump administration imposed a massive 50 percent tariff on India.

Previously viewed as India-friendly, the Trump administration slapped a 25 percent tariff on the South Asian country for its high tariffs on American exports and another 25 percent for purchasing oil from Russia which is fighting a war against Ukraine.