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Congress Criticizes Modi Over US Russia Sanctions Tariff Threat
A proposed US law could let President Donald Trump put very high taxes on goods from countries that buy energy from Russia.
India could be affected because it is named among Russia's major oil and gas customers.
The US says Russia's oil trade helps pay for its war against Ukraine.
India's Congress party criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying his government has given in to pressure from Washington.
Mallikarjun Kharge said Indian industries and farmers could suffer.
The bill passed an important vote in the US House but still needs final approval there.
It already passed the US Senate by a large majority.
Some US lawmakers support the bill, while others worry it gives the president too much power.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said possible US tariffs of up to 100% show that the Modi government's foreign and trade policies have failed.
The US House advanced a bill authorizing President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas, including India and China.
The bill cleared a procedural vote 214-211 after two Democrats joined Republicans; a final House vote was expected later Wednesday.
Kharge warned that pharmaceuticals, textiles, engineering goods, chemicals, auto components, gems, jewelry, electronics and technology could face severe tariff effects.
The US Senate passed the bill 86-11, while Democratic Congressman Gregory Meeks opposed it because it could give Trump broad tariff authority without safeguards.
- Who
- The US House and Senate, President Donald Trump, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and other US and Indian lawmakers.
- What
- A US Russia-and-Iran sanctions bill advanced in the House and could authorize tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil and gas, while India's Congress criticized Modi's response.
- Where
- The action took place in the United States, with political reactions in India and lobbying activity in Washington.
- When
- The House procedural vote occurred Tuesday evening, with a final vote expected Wednesday; the Senate passed the bill on August 7.
- Why
- The United States says Russia's crude-oil trade funds its war against Ukraine; Kharge says the tariff threat reflects failures in India's foreign and trade policies.
Critics of the Bill and Modi Government
Supporters of Sanctions and Tariff Pressure
Impact on India
Critics of the Bill and Modi Government
Mallikarjun Kharge said the threat of 100% tariffs shows that the Modi government's foreign and trade policies have failed and could harm Indian industries and farmers.
Supporters of Sanctions and Tariff Pressure
The US position is that Russia's crude-oil trade funds its war against Ukraine, making pressure on major oil buyers part of the sanctions strategy.
Presidential tariff authority
Critics of the Bill and Modi Government
Democratic Congressman Gregory Meeks opposed the bill, arguing that it would give President Trump unchecked tariff authority without adequate safeguards.
Supporters of Sanctions and Tariff Pressure
The bill's supporters advanced it in the House, and the Senate previously approved it by an 86-11 vote.
India's dealings with Washington
Critics of the Bill and Modi Government
Kharge said the Modi government has repeatedly surrendered to US pressure and criticized a trade framework that he said expands American access to Indian agricultural products.
Supporters of Sanctions and Tariff Pressure
The government’s own position is not directly provided in the article; the reported US legislative action continues despite India's trade and foreign-policy concerns.
Key facts
- House procedural vote
- 214-211 in favor of advancing the bill
- Senate vote
- 86-11 in favor of the bill
- Potential tariff
- Up to 100% on goods from Russia's major oil and gas trading partners
- Countries mentioned
- India and China are identified as potential targets
- Potentially affected Indian sectors
- Pharmaceuticals, textiles, engineering goods, chemicals, auto components, gems and jewelry, electronics and technology
- Next legislative step
- The bill must pass a final House vote before being sent to the president
- House schedule
- The House was expected to enter recess Thursday and reconvene November 9 after the midterm elections
Quotes
Mallikarjun Kharge
President of the Indian National Congress
“From tariffs and trade to H1B1 immigration, visas and digital payments, the pressure from Washington keeps mounting, and you, 'Howdy Modi ji' keeps surrendering!”
deccanchronicle.com
“Narendra Modi ji, Your dear friend 'Abki Baar Trump Sarkar' dictates, you capitulate and 140 crore Indians are left to bear the consequences!”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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