Daijiworld Media Network- Washington

Washington, Aug 28: House Foreign Affairs Committee Democrats have criticised U.S. President Donald Trump for imposing steep tariffs on India over its purchase of Russian oil, while sparing China and other countries that continue to import larger volumes.

In a post on X, the Committee alleged that the move is “hurting Americans and sabotaging the US-India relationship in the process,” further remarking, “It’s almost like it’s not about Ukraine at all.”

Quoting a media report, the Democrats argued that while the administration had threatened secondary sanctions against any country buying Russian oil, the decision to single out India has led to a “confusing policy outcome.” They pointed out that China, the largest importer of Russian energy, continues to buy oil at discounted rates without facing similar penalties.

The criticism came on the same day the 50 per cent tariff on Indian imports took effect. The order follows U.S. President Trump’s Executive Order 14329 of August 6, 2025, titled “Addressing Threats to the United States by the Government of the Russian Federation.”

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) stated that the duties apply to all Indian products entering for consumption or withdrawn from warehouses for consumption. The Department of Homeland Security has modified the Harmonized Tariff Schedule accordingly.

With the new order in place, all imports from India to the United States now attract a 50 per cent tariff, a move that Democrats warn could strain bilateral ties at a crucial juncture.