US Congressman Brad Sherman has made serious accusations against former President Donald Trump, claiming that the Trump administration is planning to impose economic burdens on India by using Russian oil imports as a justification. Sherman points out that while India imports only 21 percent of its oil from Russia, it is being targeted, whereas countries like Hungary and China, which import a far greater percentage of their oil from Russia, are exempt from such tariffs. This situation is fostering tension in bilateral trade relations.

In his statements on social media, Sherman accused Trump of actively looking for reasons to impose heavy tariffs on India, suggesting that the reason given is merely a pretext. He notes that Hungary imports a staggering 90 percent of its crude oil from Russia and yet hasn't faced any tariffs, nor has China, which is the largest buyer of Russian oil. This selective application of tariffs raises questions about the motives behind the tariffs against India, suggesting a bias in US foreign trade policy.

The implications of these actions are significant, as they could strain US-India trade relations at a time when both countries are looking to expand their economic ties. If tariffs are imposed on India under false pretenses, it may lead to retaliatory measures from India, ultimately causing further complications in bilateral relations. This episode highlights ongoing challenges in international trade, particularly where geopolitical interests intersect with economic policies.