US Congressman slams Trump’s 'tariff tantrum' on India, says it 'risks years of diplomatic progress' 

US Senator slams Donald Trump over 50% tariff on India

Senior US Congressman Gregory Meeks has strongly criticized President Donald Trump’s tariffs on India over its import of Russian oil.

Meeks, a Democrat, warned that Trump’s latest "tariff tantrum" threatens to undo more than two decades of efforts to build a strong partnership between Washington and New Delhi. This marks one of the most pointed rebukes from within the US regarding the President’s trade actions against India.

"We have deep strategic, economic, and people-to-people ties. Concerns should be addressed in a mutually respectful way consistent with our democratic values," he said, according to the House committee responsible for foreign policy legislation.

RM @RepGregoryMeeks: Trump's latest tariff tantrum risks years of careful work to build a stronger US-India partnership.

We have deep strategic, economic, and people-to-people ties. Concerns should be addressed in a mutually respectful way consistent with our democratic values. https://t.co/T2GTZGKYAS

— House Foreign Affairs Committee Dems (@HouseForeign) August 7, 2025

US President Donald Trump has firmly ruled out resuming trade negotiations with India.

In addition to the 25 percent tariff announced last week, Trump on Wednesday imposed another 25 percent levy on Indian imports over its continued purchase of Russian oil, raising the total duties to 50 percent, one of the highest ever imposed by the US on any nation.

“No, not until we get it resolved,” Trump said in the Oval Office when asked if discussions with India might resume despite the steep tariffs.