A group of 19 lawmakers from the United States, led by Congresswoman Deborah Ross and Congressman Ro Khanna, has reached out to President Donald Trump with a request for urgent action to enhance the relationship between the U.S. and India. They are also advocating for the reversal of recently imposed tariff increases.
The letter received support from several notable Indian-American Democratic leaders, including Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Pramila Jayapal. However, no Republican lawmakers joined in signing the letter.
The representatives expressed in their letter, “We come together as Members of Congress representing districts with vibrant Indian-American communities that hold strong familial, cultural, and economic connections to India.” They further stated, “Recent actions by your administration have strained relations with the world’s largest democracy, resulting in negative repercussions for both nations. We urge immediate steps to reset and repair this vital partnership.”
Lawmakers Describe Tariffs as Burdensome
The lawmakers pointed out that in August 2025, the Trump administration raised tariffs on Indian goods to 50%. This increase combined an initial 25% “reciprocal” tariff and an additional 25% duty due to India’s energy purchases from Russia. They emphasized that these “punitive measures” are detrimental to Indian manufacturers and American consumers, disrupting vital supply chains.
Importance of India as a Trading Partner
The letter emphasized India’s significance as a trading partner, noting that American manufacturers rely on India for crucial materials in sectors like semiconductors, healthcare, and energy. The lawmakers mentioned, “American firms investing in India gain access to one of the fastest-growing consumer markets in the world.” They also highlighted that Indian investments in the U.S. generate jobs and economic opportunities.
The representatives cautioned that maintaining higher tariffs could threaten these valuable ties, elevate costs for American families, and make U.S. companies less competitive on a global scale.
Concerns About Regional Stability
Additionally, the letter warned that the tariffs could push India closer to China and Russia, which is concerning. India plays a significant role in maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region, especially through its involvement in the Quad, and is a crucial partner in countering China’s expanding influence.
