A US Democrats panel criticized the use of tariffs on India related to its Russian oil purchases, arguing they distract from effectively addressing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Instead, they called for direct military aid to Ukraine and specific measures against Putin, warning that tariffs could damage the vital US-India partnership and potentially push India closer to Russia and China. Prominent representatives underscored the importance of addressing concerns through respectful dialogue aligned with democratic values, emphasizing that ineffective tariff strategies do not resolve the underlying conflict and risk alienating a crucial ally in India amidst complex geopolitical dynamics.