(Image source from: HT_PRINT)
Democrats who are part of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee have criticized President Donald Trump and his team for targeting India because of its purchase of Russian oil, while China, which imports a lot of crude from Moscow, is not facing similar penalties. The Democrats stated that Trump's 50 percent taxes on imports from India are "harming Americans" and "damaging the US-India" relationship that has been built over the last twenty years through efforts from both parties. They pointed out in a statement on X that by imposing tariffs specifically on India, Trump is affecting Americans and undermining ties with India, instead of sanctioning China or other countries buying more Russian oil. They remarked, "It seems like this is not really about Ukraine at all."
The committee also mentioned an article from the New York Times that said, "It would be different if the Trump administration had gone ahead with the threat of sanctions on any nation buying Russian oil. But by only targeting India, the outcome has become very confusing: China, the biggest buyer of Russian energy, is still getting oil at lower prices and hasn't faced similar punishments." The Democrats' criticism came as Trump’s additional 25 percent tariffs, which he connected to India's trade in Russian oil, were beginning to take effect, doubling the existing 25 percent tariffs imposed earlier in the month. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration believes these tariffs could affect exports worth 48.2 billion dollars. Officials have cautioned that the new taxes could make sending goods to the US no longer profitable, leading to job losses and slower economic growth.
Nevertheless, PM Modi has promised not to give in to the pressure. The United States has currently exempted certain industries, like pharmaceuticals and electronics, from extra tariffs, which provides some relief for India as it has significant business in these areas. The trade relationship between India and the US has grown in recent years, but it remains open to conflicts over market access and domestic political issues. India was among the first countries to begin trade discussions with the Trump administration, but so far, no agreement has been reached as the US is still asking for more access to India's agriculture and dairy markets.
