WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has warned that U.S.-India relations are under strain, blaming policies pursued by President Donald Trump for weakening economic and security cooperation between the two long-standing partners. His remarks highlight growing concerns in Washington about trade disputes, foreign policy choices, and regional stability at a critical geopolitical moment.
Krishnamoorthi said the relationship between India and the United States is not in good shape right now. He pointed to trade disputes as one of the main reasons for the current tensions. He said disagreements over tariffs and market access have hurt trust between the two countries.
“U.S.-India relations are not good right now for various reasons,” he said in an interview. “They include our trading relationship, among other things.”
The congressman stressed that the timing could not be worse. He said both nations need closer coordination, especially in South Asia, where security challenges continue to grow. He warned that weak cooperation could create space for armed groups to exploit instability.
“We have to draw closer together right now to make sure that the neighborhood in that region stays safe,” he said. He added that poor coordination could allow violent groups to rise and carry out attacks.
When asked what caused the shift after decades of bipartisan support for strong India-U.S. ties, Krishnamoorthi gave a direct answer. “Two words: Donald Trump,” he said. He argued that since Trump took office, both economic and security cooperation have declined. He criticized what he described as arbitrary tariffs on Indian goods and tough actions against Indian nationals. He said these moves push India away at a time when the United States needs reliable partners.
“As long as Donald Trump imposes arbitrary tariffs on Indian goods and goes after Indian nationals, pushing them away, he is committing a huge strategic blunder,” Krishnamoorthi said.
He added that such policies hurt the U.S. economy and weaken America’s global leadership. He said the only countries that benefit from these actions are China and Russia.
Krishnamoorthi also voiced strong criticism of Trump’s engagement with Pakistan’s military leadership. He described the president’s outreach to Pakistan’s army chief as deeply troubling. He said Trump invited the military leader to the White House for lunch while excluding Pakistan’s civilian government. Krishnamoorthi called the move appalling and said it showed poor judgment in U.S. foreign policy.
“That just tells you how poorly our foreign policy is being crafted right now,” he said.
According to Krishnamoorthi, drawing closer to adversaries or unstable partners while distancing allies sends the wrong message. He warned that such actions project weakness on the global stage.
“When you push away your friends, partners, and allies like India, and you draw your adversaries or strategic competitors closer, such as China or Russia, you show weakness,” he said. “And when you show weakness, then you invite aggression.”
Krishnamoorthi linked weakened India-U.S. ties to broader security risks. He said poor coordination could lead to greater instability in South Asia. He warned that instability could spark conflict and even war if left unchecked.
“When you have aggression, you spark conflict and potentially war,” he said.
His comments come as analysts warn that trade frictions and immigration policies could undermine trust between New Delhi and Washington. Both countries face shared challenges, including regional security threats and competition from China.
Despite his sharp criticism, Krishnamoorthi said he remains optimistic about the future of India-U.S. relations. He said the relationship has deep roots built over decades of cooperation in defense, technology, and economic growth.
India and the United States have expanded ties in these areas over the past 20 years. Many experts believe the partnership remains vital for regional stability and global balance. Krishnamoorthi said progress will depend on policy changes in Washington. He urged a return to predictable trade practices and respectful engagement with allies.
“He’s hurting America, hurting our economy, and hurting our ability to lead in the world,” Krishnamoorthi said, referring to Trump’s approach.
