WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — A bipartisan group of 21 U.S. lawmakers led by Representatives Deborah Ross of North Carolina and Ro Khanna of California has urged President Donald Trump to reverse steep tariff hikes on Indian goods and take steps to repair Washington’s strained relationship with New Delhi.
In a sharply worded letter to the White House, the lawmakers said the recent tariff increases — which raised duties on Indian imports to as high as 50 percent — have hurt both economies. They warned that the move undermines one of America’s most important partnerships and could push India closer to China and Russia.
The letter, signed by members from across the political spectrum, said the tariff escalation is inflicting “economic harm on both nations.” The lawmakers argued that the policy has disrupted supply chains, raised costs for American consumers, and damaged U.S. manufacturers who depend on components from India.
“These punitive measures have hurt Indian manufacturers while simultaneously raising prices for American consumers,” the lawmakers wrote. “They are damaging the intricate supply chains that American companies depend on.”
The letter noted that the U.S.-India trade relationship supports hundreds of thousands of jobs in both countries. American manufacturers, it said, rely heavily on Indian suppliers in industries such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and energy. In return, Indian companies have made investments in the United States that create jobs and strengthen local economies.
The lawmakers urged President Trump to “take immediate steps to reset and repair this critical partnership.” They emphasized that India is not only a key economic partner but also a vital strategic ally in maintaining balance in the Indo-Pacific region.
“At the same time, these actions have pushed the Indian government to increase its diplomatic and economic engagement with regimes hostile to the United States, including China and Russia,” the letter warned.
India’s growing role in the Quad alliance — which includes the United States, Japan, and Australia — was also cited as evidence of its importance in promoting stability and countering China’s regional influence. The lawmakers argued that raising tariffs undermines this progress and sends the wrong message to a trusted partner.
“The United States and India share democratic traditions that set us apart from our authoritarian competitors,” the members wrote. “Our partnership demonstrates to the world that free and open societies can prosper through cooperation and mutual respect.”
Representatives Ro Khanna and Deborah Ross spearheaded the appeal, joined by several other Indian-American members of Congress, including Raja Krishnamoorthi, Pramila Jayapal, Shri Thanedar, and Suhas Subramanyam. The group represents districts with large Indian-American communities that maintain deep cultural, familial, and business ties with India.
“We write as Members of Congress representing districts with large, vibrant Indian-American communities,” the lawmakers said. “Recent actions by your administration have strained relations with the world’s largest democracy, creating negative consequences for both countries.”
The members called on the administration to reaffirm its commitment to India by reviewing its tariff policy and resuming open dialogue with Indian leaders. They said doing so would restore trust and prevent further damage to one of the world’s most critical bilateral relationships.
This latest letter adds to growing concern in Congress over President Trump’s trade stance toward India. Last month, another group of lawmakers warned that the tariffs could weaken U.S. national security by driving India to deepen ties with China and Russia.
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have long supported closer economic and defense cooperation with India, viewing it as a key partner in advancing democratic values and countering authoritarian influence in Asia.
The bipartisan group concluded that rebuilding trust with India is essential for both economic growth and global stability. “We urge you to reaffirm your commitment to India,” the lawmakers wrote. “Our nations must continue to work together to promote shared prosperity, security, and democratic values.”
By urging President Trump to reverse the 50 percent tariff on Indian imports, lawmakers hope to ease economic tensions and reinforce one of America’s most strategic global partnerships. The call for renewed cooperation reflects growing recognition in Washington that strong U.S.-India ties are vital to addressing global challenges — from supply chain resilience to regional security in the Indo-Pacific.
