Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Oct 8: A group of 19 Democratic lawmakers has written a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to “reset and repair” ties with India, warning that the recent tariff hikes have strained the vital India-US partnership and hurt both economies. The letter, co-signed by prominent lawmakers including Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Pramila Jayapal, Deborah Ross, Brad Sherman, and Sydney Kamlager-Dove, highlighted concerns over Trump’s decision to raise duties on Indian goods by up to 50 per cent. Notably, no Republican lawmakers joined in signing the letter.

The lawmakers, who represent districts with large Indian-American communities, said the tariffs have raised prices for American consumers and disrupted key supply chains relied upon by US manufacturers. They called the India-US trade relationship “exceptionally important,” noting that it supports hundreds of thousands of jobs in both countries. According to the letter, “American manufacturers depend on India for key inputs in sectors from semiconductors to healthcare, energy and more,” while Indian companies have invested billions of dollars in the US.

The letter warned that these tariff hikes could push India closer to Russia and China at a time when India plays a crucial role in Indo-Pacific stability and as a partner in the Quad grouping. The lawmakers expressed concern that recent US actions have weakened a partnership grounded in shared democratic values and strategic cooperation. They urged President Trump to review the tariff policy and prioritize renewed dialogue with Indian leadership.

The letter concluded with a call for reaffirming the US commitment to India, stating that “our partnership demonstrates to the world that free and open societies can prosper through cooperation and mutual respect.”