A total of 19 American legislators wrote to President Donald Trump on Wednesday, calling for him to "reset and repair" the important India-US relationship. The signatories were prominent Democratic members such as Deborah Ross, Ro Khanna, Brad Sherman, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Pramila Jayapal, without any Republican members signing the appeal.
The lawmakers warned that the recent tariff increases by the administration—increasing levies on Indian products up to 50 per cent—have put bilateral relations under stress and harmed American consumers as well as producers.
“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. We urge you to take immediate steps to reset and repair this critical partnership,” the lawmakers said.
They called on President Trump to re-evaluate his tariff strategy and re-enter dialogue with Indian leaders, stipulating that "the way forward requires recalibration, not confrontation."
The legislators further pointed out that the 50 per cent tariffs have raised costs for US consumers and interfered with critical supply chains in which US companies rely.
Reframing the India-US trade relationship as "exceptionally important," the letter emphasized that it sustains "hundreds of thousands of jobs in both countries."
“American manufacturers depend on India for key inputs in sectors from semiconductors to heath care, energy and more. American firms investing in India also gain access to one of the fastest-growing consumer markets in the world, while Indian companies have invested billions of dollars here in America, helping to create new jobs and opportunities in the communities we represent.”
The legislators cautioned that the administration's "indiscriminate tariff escalation" would harm innovation and undermine economic cooperation between the two democracies.
The legislators also feared that Washington's aggressive trade policies were pushing India toward Russia and China, as they pointed out that New Delhi is vital in balancing China's regional influence.
This move is all the more worrying given India's increasing role as a stabilizing influence in the Indo-Pacific through The Quad (along with the US, Australia, and Japan). India has emerged as a key defense partnership partner, engaging in joint military exercises with US forces and constructively cooperating with America and our allies in securing critical maritime lanes," the letter added.
Highlighting common democratic principles, members of Congress urged President Trump to reaffirm America's commitment to India.
Our alliance shows the world that open and free societies can flourish by cooperating and respecting each other. In view of the depth and comprehensiveness of U.S.-India cooperation - covering defense, regional security, energy markets, innovation, and supply chain resilience - it is imperative that our country recommit itself to India," the lawmakers said.
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