Peter Navarro: From Trump’s Trade Advisor to Controversial Critic of India

Peter Navarro, a key figure in Donald Trump’s inner circle, is making headlines due to his critical comments about India. Navarro’s recent remarks have centered around the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, accusing India of supporting the war effort. He has accused India of aiding Russia through oil purchases, and of acting as a money laundering hub for the Kremlin. Navarro’s criticisms appear to be directed at Prime Minister Modi’s engagements with both Chinese and Russian leadership. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1949, Navarro is an economist who served as Trump’s trade advisor starting in January 2025. He was a prominent figure in Trump’s 2016 campaign and later held the position of Director of the White House National Trade Council. Navarro’s father was a musician, and his mother worked in retail. He graduated from Tufts University and served in the US Army for three years, followed by a stint in the Peace Corps in Thailand and other Asian countries. His academic journey included a Master’s from Harvard’s Kennedy School and a Ph.D. in Economics. He became a professor at the University of California, where he taught economics and public policy. Navarro has authored books and conducted research on various economic topics, including trade and corporate behavior. His 2006 book, ‘The Coming China Wars,’ examined the potential dangers associated with China’s rise. He also faced legal consequences related to the 2020 presidential election. In 2024, he received a four-month prison sentence for contempt of Congress.