“America has lost one of its key partners due to higher tariffs…” Opposition MP lashes out at Trump, shows Modi–Putin photo
Washington (The Uttam Hindu): Democrats in the United States have strongly criticized former President Donald Trump over his tariff decisions. They warned that Trump’s tariff system and his confrontational approach towards New Delhi are harming one of America’s most important long-term partners.
During a congressional hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia, focused on the U.S.–India strategic partnership, Democratic ranking member Sydney Kamlager-Dove accused Trump of undoing decades of bipartisan progress. She said the Biden administration had handed Trump a strong bilateral relationship—highlighting an active Quad, growing defence technology cooperation, and a reliable supply-chain partnership—but Trump has damaged all of it.
She cautioned that history could deliver a harsh lesson if Trump does not change course, adding that he may become the U.S. president who “lost India.” Democrats said, “You cannot win a Nobel Peace Prize by pushing strategic partners into the arms of your adversaries.”
The issue centred around Trump’s 25% “Liberation Day Tariff.” Angered by India’s purchase of Russian oil, Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on India, raising the total duty burden to 50%. Democrats criticised the move as self-destructive, noting that India now faces higher tariffs than China. They also accused Trump of damaging people-to-people ties by imposing a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas, 70% of which are held by Indians, calling it an insult to the enormous contributions of the Indian community in the U.S.
Dhruva Jaishankar of ORF America said trade negotiations had started before 13 February and by July both sides were close to a deal. India is actively pursuing free trade agreements and, with political will in Washington, a resolution is achievable.
Experts also warned that tariffs could undermine key strategic priorities, including countering China and ensuring stable supply chains. Smith told the panel that the U.S.–India relationship has been a low-cost, high-benefit partnership, and destroying the trust built over years would be a major strategic mistake.
The hearing made it clear that tariff tensions have become the most politically sensitive challenge in U.S.–India relations, with wide geopolitical implications.