WASHINGTON/NEW YORK, Aug 28: The Democratic members of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee have strongly criticized President Donald Trump for singling out India over its imports of Russian oil while sparing China, the largest buyer of Russian energy, from similar sanctions.
They argued that Trump’s decision to impose 25% tariffs on Indian goods — with an additional 25% penalty linked to Delhi’s Russian oil purchases — is damaging the U.S.-India relationship and harming American consumers.
In a post on X, the Committee stated: “Instead of imposing sanctions on China or others purchasing larger amounts of Russian oil, Trump’s singling out India with tariffs, hurting Americans & sabotaging the US-India relationship… It’s almost like it’s not about Ukraine at all.”
The Committee also referenced a New York Times report highlighting the inconsistency in Trump’s policy, noting that while India faces penalties, China continues to import Russian oil at discounted rates without facing sanctions.
Members of the Trump administration have further intensified criticism of India, accusing it of funding Russia’s war in Ukraine. Former White House trade adviser Peter Navarro controversially labeled the conflict as “Modi’s war,” asserting that India is fueling the Russian war machine.
India has condemned the tariffs as “unjustified and unreasonable,” affirming that it will take necessary steps to protect its national interests and economic security. (PTI)
