In a letter addressed to US President Donald Trump, a group of 21 Members of Congress has urged the administration to take immediate action to repair America’s strained relationship with India, following tariff hikes that lawmakers said have damaged bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
The letter, led by Congresswoman Deborah Ross and Congressman Ro Khanna, warned that the recent increase in tariffs on Indian goods in some cases as high as 50 per cent has “strained relations with the world’s largest democracy, creating negative consequences for both countries.” The lawmakers appealed to President Trump to “reset and repair this critical partnership.”
Dated October 8, the letter stated that in late August 2025, the Trump administration raised tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent, combining an initial 25 per cent “reciprocal” tariff with an additional 25 per cent duty imposed in response to India’s energy purchases from Russia.
The Members of Congress said these “punitive measures” were damaging both Indian manufacturers and American consumers, disrupting vital supply chains that US companies depend on to bring products to market.
The lawmakers underlined India’s importance as a major trading partner and manufacturing hub. They noted that American manufacturers rely heavily on India for essential inputs across sectors including semiconductors, healthcare, and energy.
“American firms investing in India also gain access to one of the fastest-growing consumer markets in the world,” they wrote, adding that Indian investments in the United States had created jobs and economic opportunities for local communities.
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Warning of wider repercussions, the Members of Congress said that continuing to escalate tariffs could “jeopardise these ties,” raising costs for American families and reducing the ability of US companies to compete globally.
The letter also expressed concern that the administration’s approach could push India closer to China and Russia. “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,” the lawmakers wrote.
They described India as an “indispensable partner” in countering China’s assertiveness in the region.
Emphasising shared democratic values, the lawmakers said the US–India relationship “stands out for its commitment to freedom, openness, and mutual respect.”
They urged President Trump to reaffirm Washington’s commitment to India, concluding that “strategically, economically, and reputationally, this partnership is essential to both nations.”
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