US Lawmakers Warn Trump Tariffs Are Hurting India Ties
US lawmakers have cautioned that President Donald Trump’s tariff hikes and visa policy changes are putting strain on the India–US relationship, one of Washington’s most important strategic partnerships. The warnings came during a House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee hearing examining bilateral ties.
Tariffs and Visa Fees Criticised
Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove said the administration’s trade actions risk damaging decades of diplomatic progress and warned that Trump could become “the president who lost India” if tensions persist. Representative Pramila Jayapal added that the tariffs are hurting businesses and consumers in both countries, while expressing concern over the proposed $100,000 H-1B visa fee, calling it harmful to people-to-people and economic connections.
Strategic Partnership Under Pressure
Lawmakers stressed that India is central to the Indo-Pacific strategy, particularly in defence cooperation, technology supply chains and regional security. They said that policy frictions—especially on trade and immigration—could weaken trust and limit long-term collaboration.
Calls for Policy Corrections
Members of the committee urged the administration to revisit tariff decisions, review visa fee proposals and stabilise trade engagement with India. Several lawmakers warned that alienating New Delhi could diminish US influence in Asia at a time of increasing geopolitical competition.
Larger Implications Highlighted
The panel noted that tariff actions and restrictive visa measures reverberate beyond bilateral ties, potentially impacting global economic relations and America’s strategic positioning.
