New Delhi, Sept. 5 -- The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday dismissed White House trade adviser Peter Navarro's comments on India's Russian oil imports, describing them as "misleading statements."

Navarro had triggered outrage with remarks accusing India of buying Russian oil for profit, saying that "Brahmins are profiteering at the expense of the Indian people."

The casteist reference drew strong criticism from political leaders and Hindu groups alike.

These remarks come amid heightened tensions between New Delhi and Washington after U.S. President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian exports to 50%, including an additional 25% duty tied specifically to India's Russian crude purchases.

The 25% levy is already in effect, ...