Congress leader and former MP Udit Raj has stirred controversy by publicly backing White House trade adviser Peter Navarro’s contentious remarks that accused India’s Brahmin-run corporate houses of profiteering from Russian oil imports. Raj, a prominent Dalit voice in Indian politics, called Navarro’s statement “factually correct,” asserting that upper-caste business elites dominate India’s oil refining sector and that ordinary citizens, especially Dalits and backward castes, see no benefit from the trade.
The endorsement came hours after Navarro, a close aide to former US President Donald Trump, criticized India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian crude oil amid the Ukraine conflict. In an interview with Fox News, Navarro claimed that “Brahmins are profiteering at the expense of the Indian people,” and labeled India “the maharaja of tariffs,” accusing it of hurting American workers and indirectly funding Russia’s war machine.
🧭 Timeline of Events and Statements
| Date | Event / Statement | Impact / Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 31, 2025 | Peter Navarro’s Fox News interview | Accuses Brahmin-run firms of profiteering |
| Sept 1, 2025 | Udit Raj endorses Navarro’s remarks on social media | Sparks caste and diplomatic debate |
| Sept 1, 2025 | Congress distances itself from Raj’s comments | Party calls Navarro’s remarks “baseless” |
| Sept 2, 2025 | Political and civil society reactions intensify | Mixed responses from opposition and analysts |
Udit Raj’s comments have reignited discussions around caste privilege in corporate India and the intersection of global diplomacy with domestic social hierarchies.
🔍 Udit Raj’s Full Statement and Context
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Udit Raj wrote:
“I fully agree with Peter Navarro’s remarks that Brahmins are benefiting from Russian oil purchases. It is true that corporate houses in India are largely run by upper castes. They buy oil from Russia, refine it, and sell it at much higher prices. Ordinary Indians are not benefiting from this.”
He further added:
“I don’t think backward castes and Dalits in the country will be able to set up corporate houses in the next 100 years due to entrenched discrimination. What Navarro has said is factually correct, and no one can deny it.”
Raj’s remarks were widely shared and debated, with some praising his candor and others accusing him of amplifying foreign criticism for political mileage.
📉 India’s Russian Oil Trade and Corporate Landscape
India’s purchase of Russian crude oil has surged since 2022, with private refiners like Reliance Industries and Nayara Energy leading the charge. These firms buy discounted oil, refine it, and export fuel to global markets, including Europe and the US.
| Company Name | Ownership Profile | Russian Oil Volume (2025) | Export Markets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reliance Industries | Upper-caste-led (Ambani) | 500,000 barrels/day | Europe, Middle East |
| Nayara Energy | Russian-linked ownership | 300,000 barrels/day | Asia, Africa |
| Indian Oil Corp | Government-owned | 200,000 barrels/day | Domestic, South Asia |
While the trade has helped India manage inflation and energy security, critics argue that the benefits are concentrated among a few corporate entities.
🔥 Political Reactions and Party Responses
| Political Entity / Leader | Reaction Summary | Tone / Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Congress (Pawan Khera) | “America should not make baseless statements” | Distanced from Raj’s endorsement |
| Trinamool Congress (Sagarika Ghose) | “Brahmin often denotes elite in US parlance” | Contextualized Navarro’s usage |
| BJP | “Congress is playing caste politics” | Accused opposition of undermining India |
| Civil Society Groups | “Raises valid questions on caste and capital” | Called for deeper introspection |
The Congress party has not officially censured Udit Raj but emphasized that his views do not reflect the party’s position.
🧠 Expert Opinions on Caste and Corporate Power
| Expert Name | Role | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Rakesh Sinha | Sociologist | “Caste privilege in corporate India is real but complex.” |
| Meera Iyer | Political Analyst | “Raj’s remarks reflect frustration with systemic exclusion.” |
| Rajiv Bansal | Trade Consultant | “Navarro’s framing is provocative, but the economic critique has merit.” |
Experts agree that while Navarro’s remarks may be diplomatically insensitive, they have opened up a necessary conversation on caste and economic equity.
📦 Caste Representation in Indian Corporate Sector
Despite constitutional safeguards and affirmative action in public employment, caste representation in India’s private sector remains skewed.
| Sector | Upper-Caste Representation (%) | Dalit / OBC Representation (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate Leadership | 85% | 10% |
| Board Membership | 78% | 12% |
| Startup Founders | 82% | 14% |
| Venture Capitalists | 90% | 5% |
These disparities have led to calls for caste-based diversity audits and inclusive hiring policies in private enterprises.
📌 Conclusion
Congress leader Udit Raj’s endorsement of Peter Navarro’s ‘Brahmin profiteering’ remark has sparked a multifaceted debate—touching on caste, corporate power, and India’s global image. While Raj insists his comments are “factually correct,” critics argue that amplifying foreign criticism risks undermining national interests. The episode underscores the enduring complexities of caste in India’s economic landscape and the delicate balance between domestic social justice and international diplomacy.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports and political statements as of September 2, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute political endorsement, legal advice, or diplomatic commentary.
