Repair strained ties with India immediately: 21 US lawmakers write to Trump

In a letter to President Trump, the US lawmakers said the recent increase in tariffs on Indian goods has damaged bilateral relations and hurt both American consumers and manufacturers.

A group of 21 US lawmakers, led by Congresswoman Deborah Ross and Congressman Ro Khanna, sent a strong letter to President Donald Trump urging him to immediately address the strained US-India relationship. The core of their concern was the recent increase in tariffs on Indian goods, which they argued had created negative consequences for both nations. They specifically called on President Trump to “reset and repair this critical partnership” and roll back the recent tariff hikes.

The letter, dated October 8th, criticized the Trump administration’s decision in late August 2025 to elevate tariffs on Indian goods to an unprecedented 50%. This high duty was a combination of an initial 25% “reciprocal” tariff and an additional 25% duty imposed in response to India’s energy purchases from Russia. The lawmakers labeled these as “punitive measures” that were hurting Indian manufacturers, damaging supply chains, and ultimately increasing costs for American consumers and manufacturers who depend on India for key inputs across various sectors.

Furthermore, the Members of Congress underscored the strategic and economic importance of India to the United States. They noted that American firms invest in India to gain access to one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets, while Indian investments in the US create jobs and economic opportunities. They warned that the continued escalation of tariffs could “jeopardize these ties,” raise costs for American families, and weaken the global competitiveness of US companies.

The lawmakers also expressed serious geopolitical concerns, cautioning that the administration’s actions risked pushing India closer to China and Russia. This is particularly concerning, they noted, given India’s crucial role as a stabilizing force in the Indo-Pacific region and its participation in the Quad. They concluded by emphasizing the shared democratic values and mutual respect that define the partnership, calling the US-India relationship “strategically, economically, and reputationally… essential” for Washington.