White House trade adviser Peter Navarro has triggered another diplomatic and political storm by questioning why American resources are being used to power artificial intelligence services for users overseas, particularly in India.
In an interview with former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon on Real America Voice, Navarro claimed that AI platforms such as ChatGPT operate entirely on US soil, consume American electricity, and yet serve millions of users in India, China and other countries.
“Why are Americans paying for AI in India? ChatGPT operates on US soil and uses American electricity, servicing large users of ChatGPT in India and China and elsewhere around the world,” Navarro said, in remarks that have since gone viral.
The comments have drawn attention for their sweeping assumptions about how global technology platforms function, while reinforcing Navarro’s long-standing protectionist stance on trade and economic nationalism.
Navarro also raised alarm over foreign purchases of US farmland, alleging that overseas entities were acquiring agricultural land at prices far above market value. He warned that such transactions could worsen food inflation in the United States—claims that were not backed by specific data during the interview.
His remarks come at a time of heightened strain in India–US relations. The Trump administration recently imposed steep 50 per cent tariffs on India over its continued imports of Russian oil, while negotiations on a broader trade deal remain deadlocked.
Navarro’s latest comments are consistent with a pattern of provocative statements aimed at India. He has repeatedly criticised New Delhi’s trade and manufacturing policies, frequently casting the country as an unfair and hardline negotiator.
In the past, Navarro has accused India of fuelling Russia’s war in Ukraine by buying discounted Russian crude, controversially describing India as a “laundromat for the Kremlin.” He has also labelled India the “maharaja of tariffs,” branded its oil imports “blood money,” and referred to the Ukraine conflict as “Modi’s war.”
Perhaps most controversially, Navarro’s earlier remarks invoking a “Brahmin” analogy to characterise India’s leadership drew strong condemnation from New Delhi. India’s Ministry of External Affairs rejected the comments as “unacceptable” and “ill-informed,” warning that such rhetoric undermines mutual respect and ignores the strategic depth of the India–US partnership.
Also Read: US Freezes Visa Processing For 75 Countries. What About India?https://www.vibesofindia.com/us-freezes-visa-processing-for-75-countries-what-about-india/
