Washington, Oct 9 (UNI) A bipartisan group of 19 members of the United States Congress, led by Congresswoman Deborah Ross and Congressman Ro Khanna, has written to President Donald Trump urging him to take immediate steps to reset the United States’ strained relationship with India. The lawmakers also called for the reversal of recent tariff hikes that, they said, have negatively impacted both countries.
In their joint letter, the lawmakers argued that the Trump administration’s decision to raise tariffs on Indian goods has harmed Indian manufacturers, disrupted U.S. supply chains, and increased costs for American consumers. They emphasized that these actions have weakened the longstanding partnership between the world’s two largest democracies.
“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,” the lawmakers stated. “We urge you to take immediate steps to reset and repair this critical partnership.”
The letter highlighted the strategic and economic importance of US-India relations, particularly in trade and defense cooperation. It noted that India is a key partner in maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region and plays a vital role in global security through initiatives like the Quad—comprising the US, India, Japan, and Australia.
The lawmakers specifically referenced the administration’s August 2025 decision to raise tariffs on Indian goods to as high as 50 percent. This included an initial 25 percent “reciprocal” tariff and an additional 25 percent duty imposed in response to India’s energy purchases 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 to bring products to market,” the letter read.
Further, the letter stressed that the trading partnership with India supports hundreds of thousands of jobs in both nations. It noted that American manufacturers rely on India for critical inputs across key sectors such as semiconductors, health care, and energy. Additionally, American firms investing in India gain access to one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets, while Indian companies have invested billions of dollars in the U.S., creating jobs and economic opportunities.
“This indiscriminate tariff escalation jeopardies these ties, raises costs for American families, undermines the global competitiveness of American companies, and threatens ongoing innovation and cooperation,” the lawmakers warned.
They also expressed concern that US trade actions have pushed India to strengthen its diplomatic and economic engagements with countries hostile to American interests, including China and Russia.
“India has become a vital defense partner, conducting joint military exercises with US forces and working closely with America and our allies to secure vital maritime routes,” the letter stated. “Its participation in the Quad and its role as a counterweight to China’s assertiveness make this relationship even more crucial.”
The letter concluded by underscoring the shared democratic values of both nations. “The United States and India share democratic traditions that set us apart from our authoritarian competitors. 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 reaffirms its commitment to India. Strategically, economically, and reputationally, we strongly urge a course correction.”
