Washington is pushing a controversial bill targeting nations buying Russian oil, and it could strain the vital US-India partnership. Prominent Indian-American business leader Ashok Mago, founder of the US-India Chamber of Commerce, issued a stark warning on Sunday. He cautioned that steep tariffs proposed in the legislation, backed by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, might derail ongoing trade talks between New Delhi and Washington.
Mago, speaking exclusively, highlighted the poor timing. With tariff negotiations in full swing, he argued that escalating pressures through sanctions would undermine progress. ‘Imposing 500% tariffs on India is not a smart move,’ he stated, referring to provisions allowing the US President swift duty hikes on countries importing discounted Russian crude.
Senator Graham, from South Carolina, introduced the bill claiming President Trump’s support. He framed it as a tool to punish buyers like India, China, and Brazil, starving Russia’s war machine funding Ukraine invasion. ‘This gives Trump leverage to hit those fueling Putin’s aggression,’ Graham declared, noting Ukraine’s peace overtures amid ongoing civilian deaths.
Mago countered that such measures would hit American consumers hard, especially Indian-Americans paying more for everyday imports from India. A Padma Shri awardee for his role in the US-India civil nuclear deal, Mago urged dialogue over confrontation. ‘Both nations, the world’s largest democracies, must collaborate for mutual benefit,’ he emphasized.
He pointed to Indian-Americans’ massive contributions to US tech, medicine, and business, warning of economic fallout. Recalling the ‘Howdy Modi’ event as a symbol of friendship, Mago appealed to senators for patience. ‘Let talks conclude first; there’s always time later if needed,’ he said, optimistic that diplomacy would prevail to boost both economies.