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Congressman Sherman criticizes Trump over India tariff policy
Sherman took to X and made a post asserting that Trump is “grasping for excuses” in imposing what he called “outrageous tariffs” on Indian goods.
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Rwittika Chakraborty
- Thu, 19, Feb 2026
- 02:23 EST
- 19
Congressman Brad Sherman. / X@BradSherman
U.S. Congressman Brad Sherman has criticized President Donald Trump’s tariff stance toward India, accusing the administration of unfairly targeting the South Asian nation over its oil imports from Russia.
Sherman took to X and made a post asserting that Trump is “grasping for excuses” in imposing what he called “outrageous tariffs” on Indian goods, arguing the policy lacks consistency when compared with other countries such as Hungary and China, that import larger shares of Russian crude without similar penalties.
His comments come weeks after India and the U.S. announced in a joint statement that they had reached an interim framework for a trade deal, which reduced reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods and services from 25 per cent to 18 per cent.
The announcement also came along with Trump signing an executive order and cutting down the additional 25 per cent punitive tariffs imposed on New Delhi for its purchases of Russian oil.
Sherman noted that India receives only about 21 per cent of its crude from Russia, far lower than other nations, yet faces punitive duties that he said single it out unjustly.
President Trump is grasping for excuses to slap outrageous tariffs on #India.
— Congressman Brad Sherman (@BradSherman) February 18, 2026
He claims it’s about importing Russian oil — yet Hungary imports 90% of its crude from Russia with no tariffs. And China, Russia’s biggest oil buyer, hasn’t been hit with sanctions tied to purchasing…
The California lawmaker urged Trump to reverse the tariff policy while describing India as a key partner whose treatment should reflect its strategic importance.
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