#TRUMP โs Tariffs on India Risk Undermining Key US Relationship ๐ฎ๐ณ๐บ๐ธ
As President Trump's 50% tariffs on India took effect, including a 25% penalty on Russian oil imports, US lawmaker Gregory Meeks warned that these "arbitrary tariffs" could harm the vital relationship between the two nations. Meeks, the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed concern after meeting with Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra.
Meeks emphasized the shared commitment to peace in Ukraine ๐ and the strengthening US-India ties over the past 25 years, particularly through initiatives like the Quad. He noted Congress' support for the partnership, which he called critical in the Indo-Pacific.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Kwatra thanked Meeks for his ongoing support and discussed key issues, including trade, energy security, and India's growing energy trade with the US ๐.
The tariffs have sparked backlash in Washington, with many lawmakers accusing Trump of singling out India, while sparing China and other large buyers of Russian oil. Some even argue that these measures are not about Ukraine, but rather political moves in a volatile election season.
Former officials, including Mike Pence and John Bolton, have also criticized the tariffs. Pence noted that American consumers and businesses bear the costs of such policies ๐ธ, while Bolton warned they could push India toward closer ties with Russia and China. Others, like Kenneth Juster, cautioned that damaging ties with India could be a strategic disaster for the US.
India has defended its energy purchases from Russia, stating that it is essential for economic growth. Ambassador Kwatra has ramped up engagement with US lawmakers to secure bipartisan support and protect the US-India partnership amidst these tensions.
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