United States Lawmakers Urge Trump To ‘Reset And Repair’ Critical India–US Partnership Amid Tariff Strain

Nineteen Democratic lawmakers have written to US President Donald Trump, calling for a “reset and repair” of the crucial India–US partnership, NDTV reported.

The letter, co-signed by Congress members Deborah Ross, Ro Khanna, Brad Sherman, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Pramila Jayapal, notably lacked any Republican endorsement.

The lawmakers cautioned that President Trump’s recent decision to impose tariffs of up to 50 per cent on Indian goods has weakened bilateral ties and negatively affected both American consumers and manufacturers.

"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," they noted.

The letter urged President Trump to "review" his tariff strategy and re-engage in dialogue with Indian leadership, stating that the path forward "demands recalibration, not confrontation.”

The lawmakers warned that the steep 50 per cent tariffs have increased costs for American consumers and disrupted vital supply chains.

Calling the India–US trade relationship “exceptionally important,” they noted that it supports “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", they said.

"This indiscriminate tariff escalation jeopardizes these ties, raising costs for American families, undermining the ability of American companies to compete globally, and undercutting ground-breaking innovation and cooperation," the letter added.

The lawmakers cautioned that the Trump administration’s confrontational trade approach risks driving India closer to Russia and China. They underscored India’s “indispensable role as a counterweight” to China’s expanding regional influence.

"This development is particularly concerning in light of India's growing importance as a stabilising force in the Indo-Pacific through its participation in The Quad (in conjunction with the US, Australia, and Japan). India has become a vital partner in defense cooperation, conducting joint military exercises with U.S. forces and working constructively with America and our allies to secure vital maritime routes," it emphasised.

Reaffirming shared democratic values, the lawmakers urged President Trump to strengthen America’s commitment to India, stating that these traditions “set us apart from our authoritarian competitors.”

"Our partnership demonstrates to the world that free and open societies can prosper through cooperation and mutual respect. Given the depth and breadth of U.S.-India cooperation - spanning defense, regional security, energy markets, innovation, and supply chain resilience - it is critical that our nation reaffirm its commitment to India," they wrote.

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