Moscow: A sharp rift has emerged in Washington over US President Donald Trump’s escalating tariff war with India. The Democratic members of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee openly rebuked Trump’s latest move of slapping 50 per cent tariffs on Indian exports, calling it a “smokescreen” that does little to deter Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Democrats’ statement came shortly after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned New Delhi of “secondary tariffs” linked to its Russian oil imports. Speaking to Bloomberg, Bessent suggested the severity of such penalties could depend on Trump’s recently concluded meeting with Putin in Alaska. Describing the talks as “productive,” Bessent hinted that more sanctions could follow if Moscow fails to show progress on negotiations.
“Tariffing India won’t stop Putin,” the Democratic panel said in a blunt statement. “If Trump really wanted to confront Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, he would punish Putin directly and give Ukraine the military aid it needs. Everything else is smoke and mirrors.”
Trump, however, has chosen tariffs as his weapon of choice. Last week, he announced a steep rise in duties on Indian goods doubling them from 25 per cent to 50 per cent as punishment for India’s continued purchases of Russian crude oil. Brazil also faced similar tariff hikes, but the Indian blow is the harshest in Trump’s latest trade list.
The move has been met with outrage in New Delhi. The Indian government condemned the decision as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,” warning of damage to key export sectors including textiles and marine products. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a defiant response, declared that India would “never compromise” on the interests of its farmers, livestock keepers, and fishermen.
“The interest of farmers is our top priority,” Modi said in a strongly worded address. “India will not bend on protecting its farmers, livestock holders, and fishermen. I know I will have to pay a huge personal price for this stance, but I am ready. India is ready for its people and their livelihoods.”
Meanwhile, the debate in Washington underscores the broader struggle within US foreign policy. While Trump leans on tariffs to pressure allies, critics argue that such measures punish partners like India without addressing Putin directly. As the Ukraine war drags on, the divide between symbolism and strategy in America’s global posture is becoming increasingly visible.