Elon Musk Addresses Criticism of Grok’s Fact-Checking on India-Related Content

Following a critical post by Peter Navarro, a former advisor to Donald Trump, concerning Grok’s fact-checking practices regarding India, a debate unfolded on the social media platform. Elon Musk responded to the criticism, defending the integrity of Community Notes. Musk’s response did not directly mention Navarro. He wrote, “On this platform, the people decide the narrative. You hear all sides of an argument. Community Notes corrects everyone, no exceptions. Notes, data, and code is public source. Grok provides further fact-checking.” The dispute originated when Navarro, known for his prior critiques of India’s trade policies and ties with Russia, again accused New Delhi of “profiteering” from Russian oil imports. He stated his claims as “FACTS: India highest tariffs costs US jobs. India buys Russian oil purely to profit/Revenues feed Russia war machine. Ukrainians/Russians die. U.S. taxpayers shell out more. India can’t handle truth/spins.” X’s fact-checking mechanism refuted these claims, explaining that India’s oil purchases were for “energy security” and did not contravene sanctions. The notes also cited the US’s trade surplus in services with India and the hypocrisy of continued US imports from Russia. Furthermore, it was added that Navarro’s statements were hypocritical. X labeled it a “clear double standard,” noting the US’s simultaneous pressure on India and its own commodity purchases from Russia. Navarro dismissed the fact-checking and accused Elon Musk of allowing “propaganda” on X. This event is the latest in Navarro’s ongoing criticism of India, particularly after the Trump administration imposed tariffs on India for purchasing oil from Russia. These tariffs on Indian exports exceeded 50 percent. Subsequently, Navarro has described the Russia–Ukraine war as “Modi’s war” and accused India of supporting Russia’s military. He accused India of running a “profiteering scheme” and referred to it as a “laundromat for the Kremlin,” and made a racist remark against India.