 "US President Donald Trump with PM Modi. File image/AP")
A group of members of the United States Congress on Wednesday wrote to President Donald Trump, urging him to take urgent steps to repair ties with India, which have soured following recent tariff actions against the world’s largest democracy.
“We write as Members of Congress representing districts with large, vibrant Indian-American communities that maintain strong familial, cultural, and economic ties to India. Recent actions by your administration have strained relations with the world’s largest democracy, creating negative consequences for both countries,” US lawmakers said in a joint letter to President Trump, urging swift action to restore balance in the bilateral relationship.
The lawmakers noted that in late August, the Trump administration raised tariffs on Indian goods to as high as 50% — combining an initial 25% “reciprocal” tariff with an additional 25% duty in response to India’s energy imports from Russia.
“These punitive measures have hurt Indian manufacturers while simultaneously raising prices for American consumers and damaging the intricate supply chains that American companies depend on,” the letter read.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsEmphasising the value of the US-India economic partnership, the Members of Congress said the trading relationship “supports hundreds of thousands of jobs in both countries.”
They also highlighted that American industries rely on India for key inputs in sectors such as semiconductors, healthcare, and energy, while Indian investments in the US have contributed to job creation in communities across the country.
The letter cautioned that escalating tariffs risk driving India closer to “regimes hostile to the United States, including China and Russia,” potentially weakening Washington’s strategic position.
It described India as “a stabilising force in the Indo-Pacific” and “a vital partner in defence cooperation,” highlighting its key role in the Quad alliance with the US, Australia, and Japan.
The letter cautioned that escalating tariffs risk driving India closer to “regimes hostile to the United States, including China and Russia,” potentially weakening Washington’s strategic position.
It described India as “a stabilising force in the Indo-Pacific” and “a vital partner in defence cooperation,” highlighting its key role in the Quad alliance with the US, Australia, and Japan.
“The United States and India share democratic traditions that set us apart from our authoritarian competitors,” the lawmakers wrote, stressing that cooperation between the two nations demonstrates how “free and open societies can prosper through mutual respect”.
“The Members of Congress urged President Trump to reaffirm America’s commitment to India”, calling for a “recalibration, not confrontation”, in the relationship.
They recommended that the administration begin by reviewing the current tariff policy and continuing dialogue with Indian leadership.
The letter was signed by Representatives Deborah K Ross, Ro Khanna, Brad Sherman, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Pramila Jayapal, Frank Pallone Jr., and several others representing districts with large Indian-American populations.
With inputs from agencies