US Democrats Slam Trump for Arbitrary Tariffs on India Over Russian Oil Purchases
Washington, D.C. – The Democratic leadership of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee has strongly criticized former President Donald Trump for what they called an “arbitrary and unfair” decision to impose additional tariffs on India for purchasing oil from Russia. Lawmakers argued that Trump’s move singles out India while ignoring larger importers such as China, thereby undermining America’s strategic partnership with New Delhi.
According to the committee, the imposition of tariffs “does not serve US national interests” and could weaken the long-standing diplomatic and economic ties between the two democracies. They emphasized that if the Trump administration truly intended to curb global oil trade with Russia, measures should have been applied consistently to all major buyers, not selectively enforced against India.
‘Why Only India?’ – Democrats Question Trump’s Approach
In a post shared on social media, the committee accused Trump of targeting India unnecessarily. They noted that while New Delhi has been penalized with additional duties, Beijing – the largest importer of Russian oil – continues to buy discounted crude without facing any such consequences.
“If the administration’s concern was about weakening Russia’s energy revenues, secondary sanctions or tariffs should have been announced across the board. Instead, this selective action against India raises doubts about the real intention behind the policy,” the committee said.
The lawmakers further added that the move “hurts Americans, damages US-India relations, and appears disconnected from the issue of Ukraine altogether.”
25% Additional Tariffs Announced
On Wednesday, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which operates under the Department of Homeland Security, announced the implementation of an additional 25% tariff on Indian oil imports. This decision stems from Presidential Executive Order 14329, signed on August 6, 2025, under the title “Confronting Threats to the United States from the Russian Federation.”
The order officially came into effect on August 27, following the publication of a draft notice earlier this month. The move has sparked fresh concerns among policy analysts, who warn that the step could further strain US-India economic engagement at a time when both countries are expected to strengthen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
China Escapes Penalty Despite Buying More
Citing media reports, the committee highlighted that China, which imports far more Russian crude than India, has not been subjected to similar penalties. Instead, Beijing continues to purchase oil at discounted rates, helping Moscow sustain its revenues despite Western sanctions.
“This selective punishment sends the wrong signal,” Democratic leaders argued. “It undermines US credibility, damages trust with India, and appears to favor China indirectly.”
Impact on US-India Relations
Experts say that India has emerged as a critical partner for the United States in counterbalancing China’s influence in Asia. With cooperation spanning defense, trade, and technology, both nations have described their relationship as a “defining partnership of the 21st century.” However, punitive economic measures like these could complicate bilateral negotiations on energy security, defense procurement, and strategic alignment.
Observers also warn that India may perceive this move as a betrayal, especially when it has reduced its dependence on Russian energy compared to China. Analysts suggest that the decision risks pushing India closer to other partners while weakening America’s influence in South Asia.
Conclusion
Democrats have labeled Trump’s tariff decision as short-sighted, inconsistent, and damaging to America’s foreign policy interests. While the administration justified the move under the banner of countering Russia, critics argue that it unfairly targets India, strains bilateral ties, and fails to hold China accountable despite its far greater role in sustaining Moscow’s oil trade.
As tensions rise, the coming weeks will determine whether Washington and New Delhi can resolve the issue diplomatically or whether this tariff battle will mark a setback in one of the world’s most important strategic partnerships.
