ADVERTISEMENTs
21 US Lawmakers Urge Trump to Repair US-India Ties, End Tariff Hike
In a worded letter to the White House, the bipartisan group warned that the administration’s recent trade measures—raising tariffs on Indian imports to as high as 50 per cent—have inflicted economic harm on both nations.
-
Lalit K Jha (5WH) - Wed, 08, Oct 2025
- 12:55 EDT
- 29
American and Indian Flag / AI Generated
A group of 21 US lawmakers led by Representatives Deborah Ross and Ro Khanna has urged President Donald Trump to reverse steep tariff hikes on Indian goods and take steps to “reset and repair” Washington’s strained relationship with New Delhi.
In a strongly worded letter to the White House, the bipartisan group warned that the administration’s recent trade measures—raising tariffs on Indian imports to as high as 50 per cent—have inflicted economic harm on both nations. The lawmakers said the escalation undermines a key partnership and threatens to push India closer to rival powers China and Russia.
Also Read: Trump defends tariffs as ‘peacekeeping tools’ ahead of Canada talks
“We write as Members of Congress representing districts with large, vibrant Indian-American communities that maintain strong familial, cultural, and economic ties to India,” the lawmakers wrote.
“Recent actions by your administration have strained relations with the world’s largest democracy, creating negative consequences for both countries.”
The signatories—spanning states from North Carolina to California—include Representatives Brad Sherman, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Pramila Jayapal, Frank Pallone Jr., and Shri Thanedar. They called on Trump to “take immediate steps to reset and repair this critical partnership.”
The letter cited August tariff decisions that doubled earlier “reciprocal” duties with an added 25 per cent surcharge, imposed in response to India’s energy trade with 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 lawmakers wrote.
In the letter, the lawmakers emphasised the importance of the U.S.-India trade relationship, which supports “hundreds of thousands of jobs in both countries.”
Manufacturers in the US, the letter noted, rely on Indian inputs in industries ranging from semiconductors to energy and healthcare, while Indian investments in the United States generate employment across multiple sectors.
“At the same time, these actions have pushed the Indian government to increase its diplomatic and economic engagement with regimes hostile to the United States, including China and Russia,” the Members warned.
The lawmakers also underscored India’s growing role as a stabilising force in the Indo-Pacific, citing its cooperation through the Quad alliance alongside the United States, Japan, and Australia. They argued that tariff escalation undermines progress in defence cooperation and supply chain resilience.
“The United States and India share democratic traditions that set us apart from our authoritarian competitors,” the letter said. “Our partnership demonstrates to the world that free and open societies can prosper through cooperation and mutual respect.”
Lawmakers urged the Trump administration to “reaffirm its commitment to India” and begin with a “review of tariff policy and continued dialogue with the Indian leadership”
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
ADVERTISEMENT
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login