Washington’s anti-Russia oil push threatens to upend US-India momentum. Prominent Republican Indian-American Ashok Mago warned Sunday that Graham’s bill, enabling 500% duties on buyers, endangers trade pacts. With negotiations underway, he called it a misstep that could inflate costs and erode trust.
As US-India Chamber head, Mago critiqued the rush. Graham, invoking Trump, champions the sanctions to cut Putin’s Ukraine war cashflow from discounted sales to nations like India. ‘Perfect timing—Ukraine compromises, Putin kills innocents,’ the senator proclaimed.
Mago riposted: everyday Americans, particularly Indian-origin, will pay more for India-sourced goods. Honored with Padma Shri for nuclear pact facilitation, he pushed mutual-gain policies. ‘Two ancient democracies must partner, not penalize,’ he insisted.
Highlighting diaspora prowess in tech, meds, business, Mago noted their economic lifeline to America. Referencing ‘Howdy Modi’ vibes, he beseeched: ‘Senators, wait—let talks yield results; options remain open.’ He banked on joint efforts for global stability, economies thriving via resolved talks.