“Peter Navarro Renews Tirade Against India and China, Calls BRICS ‘Vampires’”

White House trade advisor Peter Navarro has once again taken aim at India, this time invoking “vampires” while criticizing the BRICS grouping, of which India is a member.

In a television interview, Navarro questioned the durability of BRICS, claiming its members “would not survive without selling to the United States.” He added: “When they sell to the US, their exports are like vampires sucking our blood dry with unfair trade practices.” Navarro went further, alleging that BRICS nations have a history of conflict, saying they “hate each other and kill each other.”

He also highlighted tensions between India and China, asserting the two countries had been “at war for decades.”

BRICS Expansion

Formed originally by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, BRICS expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. Indonesia joined as its newest member in 2025.

Navarro’s rhetoric is not new. Earlier this year, he used similar language to describe China in relation to the United Kingdom, warning that “if the Chinese vampire can’t suck American blood, it will suck the UK’s and the EU’s.”

Fact-Check Clash on X

Navarro has also faced pushback online. One of his posts accusing India of profiting from discounted Russian oil and “feeding the Russia war machine” was flagged by X’s Community Notes as misleading.

That prompted a public exchange with X owner Elon Musk, who defended the platform’s fact-checking system: “On this platform, the people decide the narrative. Community Notes corrects everyone, no exceptions.”

Trade Dispute Backdrop

Navarro’s latest comments come against the backdrop of escalating U.S.-India trade tensions. On August 27, President Donald Trump announced an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, doubling total duties to 50%. The White House described the move as a penalty for India’s continued oil trade with Russia.