‘Tariffs are hurting jobs, trade…’: US lawmakers urge Donald Trump to reset ties with India

A group of United States lawmakers has written to President Donald Trump, urging him to take swift action to repair the country’s partnership with India following recent tariff measures that have strained bilateral relations.

In a joint letter sent on Wednesday, the members of Congress highlighted that “recent actions by your administration have strained relations with the world’s largest democracy, creating negative consequences for both countries.” They called for a reset to restore balance in the US-India relationship.

What US Lawmakers Said?

The letter pointed to tariffs imposed on Indian goods in late August 2025, which reached as high as 50 per cent.

These duties combined an initial 25 per cent “reciprocal” tariff with an additional 25 per cent in response to India’s energy purchases from Russia.

According to the lawmakers, “These punitive measures have hurt Indian manufacturers while simultaneously raising prices for American consumers and damaging the intricate supply chains that American companies depend on.”

Highlighting the importance of the US-India economic relationship, the members of Congress stressed that trade between the two nations “supports hundreds of thousands of jobs in both countries.”

They noted that American manufacturers rely on India for key inputs across sectors, including semiconductors, healthcare, and energy.

Similarly, Indian investments in the United States have created employment opportunities in American communities.

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India Getting Closer To Russia And China

The letter also warned that the escalating tariffs could push India closer to “regimes hostile to the United States, including China and Russia,” potentially undermining Washington’s strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

It described India as “a stabilising force in the Indo-Pacific” and “a vital partner in defence cooperation,” pointing to its role in the Quad alliance with the US, Australia, and Japan.

The lawmakers emphasised the shared democratic values between the two nations, noting that cooperation demonstrates how “free and open societies can prosper through mutual respect.”

They urged President Trump to “reaffirm America’s commitment to India” and recommended a “recalibration, not confrontation” approach. The letter suggested starting with a review of the current tariff policy and continued dialogue with Indian leaders.

The letter was signed by several prominent US representatives, including Deborah K. Ross, Ro Khanna, Brad Sherman, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Pramila Jayapal, and Frank Pallone Jr., many of whom represent districts with large Indian-American populations.