Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora has criticised recent US statements and tariff measures, warning that such rhetoric could damage the relationship between the world’s two largest democracies.
Sharing his concerns on X, Deora recalled his late father, former Union Minister Murli Deora’s efforts to strengthen India-US ties. “It’s disappointing to hear rhetoric from the US that risks straining ties between two leading democracies. Many, including my late father, worked tirelessly to bring India & the US closer for the benefit of both nations & the world. I truly hope wiser counsel will prevail,” he wrote.
His comments come in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian exports—a move justified by Washington as a response to India’s continued purchases of Russian oil. The additional 25% levy came into effect on August 27, compounding an earlier tariff of the same scale.
Trump has repeatedly attacked India over its Russian energy imports. Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, Trump posted on his platform Truth Social: “Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China. May they have a long and prosperous future together!”—alongside an old photo of Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Adding to the tensions, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro accused India of acting as a “laundromat for the Kremlin,” alleging that New Delhi’s tariff policies hurt American jobs. He wrote on X: “India’s highest tariffs cost U.S. jobs. India buys Russian oil purely to profit. Revenues feed Russia’s war machine. Ukrainians/Russians die. U.S. taxpayers shell out more. India can’t handle truth.”
Despite the sharp rhetoric, Deora emphasised the importance of preserving India-US relations, which he described as crucial for both nations and the global order.