In Washington, a coalition of 21 American lawmakers has urged President Trump to rebuild and strengthen diplomatic and trade relations with India, warning that his punitive trade measures are harming both economies. In a letter sent on Wednesday, the group cautioned that the administration’s current approach risks undermining US strategic priorities in Asia and driving India closer to rival powers such as China and Russia.
The letter highlighted India’s growing influence as a stabilizing force in the Indo-Pacific region through its role in the Quad alliance alongside the United States, Japan, and Australia. The lawmakers stressed that alienating India at this critical juncture could weaken US efforts to maintain regional balance and counter China’s increasing assertiveness.
All 21 signatories are Democrats, including prominent Indian-American representatives Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Shri Thanedar, and Ami Bera. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers also endorsed the appeal, along with several other members from states with significant Indian-American populations. The letter, reportedly influenced by advocacy within the Indian-American community, emphasizes shared economic and cultural bonds that have historically strengthened the bilateral partnership.
Criticizing Trump’s 50 percent tariff on Indian goods, the lawmakers argued that these trade barriers have backfired — hurting Indian manufacturers while inflating prices for American consumers. They warned that the tariffs disrupt vital supply chains, threatening jobs and slowing innovation across key industries like semiconductors, energy, and healthcare.
They further noted that trade between the two nations supports hundreds of thousands of jobs. US companies rely heavily on India for affordable components and access to one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets, while Indian investments in the United States create thousands of new employment opportunities.
Calling for a policy reset, the lawmakers stated that escalating tariffs undermines innovation, competitiveness, and long-term cooperation. They also acknowledged India’s growing defense partnership with the US, including joint military exercises and efforts to secure global maritime routes.
Concluding their appeal, the lawmakers urged Trump to review his tariff strategy and prioritize continued dialogue with Indian leaders. They insisted that the future of US-India relations lies in “recalibration, not confrontation.”
