US Lawmakers Urge Trump To Fix India Ties, Warn Tariffs Threaten Key Partnership

US President Donald Trump (Image Credit: Reuters)

A group of Democratic lawmakers urged US President Donald Trump to “reset and repair” the country’s relationship with India, warning that his administration’s tariff hikes have damaged one of Washington’s most important strategic partnerships. In a letter sent to the White House, the lawmakers said that the steep tariffs- which have raised duties on Indian goods to as high as 50 per cent- have hurt American manufacturers, disrupted supply chains and alienated a key ally.

“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 letter stated, adding, “Recent actions by your administration have strained relations with the world’s largest democracy, creating negative consequences for both countries. We urge you to take immediate steps to reset and repair this critical partnership.”

The letter was co-signed by several prominent Democratic leaders, including Deborah Ross, Ro Khanna, Brad Sherman, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Pramila Jayapal. No Republican lawmakers signed the appeal.

Tariff Hikes ‘Raised Prices For American Consumers’

The House members said Donald Trump’s tariff policy has directly affected both American consumers and domestic industries.

“The 50 per cent tariffs have raised prices for American consumers and damaged the intricate supply chains that American companies depend on to bring products to market,” the letter said. They described the India–US trade relationship as “exceptionally important,” one that supports “hundreds of thousands of jobs in both countries.”

“American manufacturers depend on India for key inputs in sectors from semiconductors to healthcare, energy and more. American firms investing in India also gain access to one of the fastest-growing consumer markets in the world while Indian companies have invested billions of dollars here in America, helping to create new jobs and opportunities in the communities we represent,” the lawmakers wrote.

The letter added that Donald Trump’s “indiscriminate tariff escalation jeopardizes these ties, raising costs for American families, undermining the ability of American companies to compete globally and undercutting ground-breaking innovation and cooperation.”

The lawmakers also cautioned that the Donald Trump administration’s aggressive trade measures could have strategic repercussions, warning that they have already “pushed the Indian government to increase its diplomatic and economic engagement” with Russia and China.

“This development is particularly concerning in light of India’s growing importance as a stabilising force in the Indo-Pacific through its participation in The Quad (in conjunction with the US, Australia and Japan),” they wrote, continuing, “India has become a vital partner in defense cooperation, conducting joint military exercises with US forces and working constructively with America and our allies to secure vital maritime routes.”

‘Reaffirm Commitment To India’

The letter urged Donald Trump to review his tariff policy, resume dialogue with Indian leadership, and reaffirm Washington’s commitment to New Delhi as a democratic partner.

“Our partnership demonstrates to the world that free and open societies can prosper through cooperation and mutual respect. Given the depth and breadth of US–India cooperation – spanning defense, regional security, energy markets, innovation and supply chain resilience – it is critical that our nation reaffirm its commitment to India,” it concluded.

The lawmakers stressed that the path forward “demands recalibration, not confrontation,” calling India an indispensable counterweight to China’s growing assertiveness and a cornerstone of the Indo-Pacific alliance.