US Lawmakers India Ties Defended Through Bipartisan Action
- Bipartisan support grows for India-US relationship
- Lawmakers issue letters, resolutions backing Indian Americans
Republican and Democratic lawmakers in the United States have come together to defend the India-US partnership amid recent policy actions by the Trump administration that have affected Indian interests. Over the past ten days, at least six bipartisan letters and resolutions have been circulated, reaffirming support for Indian Americans and India’s role as a key ally.
The bipartisan movement gained traction after several measures from the administration drew criticism. Members of Congress expressed concern over an H-1B visa proclamation, recent trade tariffs, and rhetoric targeting India’s economic policies. One such letter, co-signed by Democrats Sanford Bishop, Shri Thanedar, Suhas Subramanyam, and Republican Rich McCormick, raised alarm over an event at Rutgers University that could “fuel further prejudice” against Hindus amid a wave of temple vandalism.
Another group of lawmakers, including Subramanyam and Republicans Jay Obernolte and Don Bacon, addressed concerns to President Donald Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick about the impact of the H-1B restrictions. They warned that the proclamation could “create significant challenges for US employers and overall weaken our competitiveness.”
Earlier, four lawmakers urged President Trump to attend the upcoming Quad Leaders’ Summit in India and reaffirm the partnership’s importance. On the same day, a resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives to highlight the contributions of Indian Americans and denounce acts of racism against them. It described the India-US relationship as “one of the most important democratic partnerships in the world.”
This surge in bipartisan expressions contrasts with an earlier letter signed solely by Democratic lawmakers on October 8, calling on the administration to “reset and repair” ties with India. Critics have noted the relative silence of many leaders as senior Trump officials, including Peter Navarro and Howard Lutnick, criticized India’s oil trade and economic policies. The administration’s decisions this year included a 50 per cent tariff package on Indian imports and a new $100,000 application fee for H-1B petitions.
Despite policy tensions, dialogue between the two sides has resumed. Recently, President Trump hosted a Diwali event at the White House, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “a great person” and expressing affection for the people of India. Democratic Representative Ami Bera emphasized that support should go beyond party lines, stating, “Let’s make it about the US-India relationship. It should be an American thing.”
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