India-US relations: Lawmakers from both Republican and Democratic parties in the US have joined forces to strengthen India-US relations. This move comes at a time when the Trump administration implemented several policies against India’s interests a few months ago. Lawmakers say both parties should work together to support thi partnership and strengthen India-US relations.
At least six joint letters and resolutions hav been prepared in the last ten days. These letters emphasize protecting the interests of the Indian American community and maintaining India-US cooperation. They also demand accountability from the Trump administration for these policies.
Last week, US lawmakers expressed concern about an event at Rutgers University. They said the event could promote misconceptions and prejudice against Hindus, especially at a time when attacks on Hindu temples are increasing in the US.
The letter’s signatories included Democrat Sanford Bishop of Georgia, Shri Thanedar of Illinois, Suhas Subramanian of Virginia, and Republican Rich McCormick of Georgia.
Two days earlier, six lawmakers wrote to President Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, expressing their concerns about H-1B visa regulations. The letter stated that these new policies would increase difficulties for American employers and weaken America’s global competitiveness. Democrat Suhas Subramanian and Republicans Joe Obernolte and Don Bacon also signed the letter.
On October 17, four US lawmakers wrote to President Trump, urging him to participate in the Quad Leaders Summit and other Asian meetings in India. That same day, a joint resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives, recognizing the contributions of the Indian American community to the United States and condemning racist attacks against Indian Americans. The resolution described the India-US relationship as one of the most important democratic partnerships in the world.
This move was separate from a recent letter from 19 Democratic lawmakers, in which they advised Trump to improve and reinvigorate US-India relations. No Republican lawmaker joined the letter at that time.
Leaders from both Democratic and Republican parties faced criticism for their prolonged silence. Senior Trump administration officials, such as Trade Advisor Peter Navarro and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, consistently pursued policies against India, targeting India’s oil purchases from Russia and the trade balance. In August, the Trump administration imposed a 50 percent tariff on India, including an additional 25 percent duty on Russian oil imports.
Following this, in September, Trump amended H-1B visa rules, imposing a $100,000 application fee. Over 70 percent of H-1B visa recipients in 2024 were Indians, directly impacting India’s interests.
Some Democratic lawmakers publicly opposed this, but Republican lawmakers remained silent until recently. In early October, Democratic Congressman Ami Bera told IANS that some Republican lawmakers are silent only because they are afraid of President Trump. He said lawmakers should come forward to support India-US relations.
