A significant bipartisan push is underway in the US Congress, with lawmakers urging President Donald Trump to take immediate steps to mend frayed relations with India. The core issue is the substantial tariff escalation implemented by the Trump administration in late August 2025, which lawmakers argue is harming trade, raising prices for consumers, and weakening a critical strategic alliance. The group warns of significant negative outcomes if the trade disputes are not resolved.
The letter sent to the President specifically addresses the tariff increases, which saw duties on Indian imports rise to as high as 50 percent. This measure combined a 25 percent “reciprocal” tariff with an additional 25 percent duty imposed in response to India’s ongoing energy purchases from Russia. According to the lawmakers, these punitive actions are disrupting supply chains essential for American businesses and inflating the cost of everyday goods for US citizens. They emphasize the interconnectedness of the US-India economic partnership, which supports numerous jobs across key sectors like semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.
Beyond economic concerns, the legislators highlighted the strategic imperative of maintaining strong ties with India, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. They voiced apprehension that sustained tension could drive India closer to geopolitical competitors like China and Russia. India is recognized as a crucial stabilizing force in the region and a vital ally in defense, playing a key role in initiatives like the Quad. The shared democratic foundations between the US and India are presented as a cornerstone of this partnership, essential for counterbalancing authoritarian influence and promoting global stability.
The congressional delegation advocates for a diplomatic approach focused on “recalibration, not confrontation.” They implore President Trump to reaffirm the US commitment to India and conduct a thorough review of the existing tariff policies. This, combined with renewed diplomatic outreach, is seen as crucial for rebuilding trust. The letter bears the signatures of several influential representatives, including Deborah K Ross, Ro Khanna, and Raja Krishnamoorthi, reflecting a broad consensus within Congress on the importance of strengthening US-India ties and a growing concern that recent trade policies are counterproductive to these goals.
