Trump’s ‘Tariff Tantrum’ Threatens Years of US-India Progress, Warns Top Congressman

A senior US lawmaker has warned that President Donald Trump’s latest tariff moves against India could undo years of careful diplomacy and strain one of Washington’s most strategically important partnerships.

Representative Gregory Meeks, Democrat and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said Thursday that the United States and India share “deep strategic, economic, and people-to-people ties”—links now threatened by Trump’s escalating trade measures.

“Trump's latest tariff tantrum risks years of careful work to build a stronger US-India partnership,” Meeks posted on X, urging that disputes be resolved “in a mutually respectful way consistent with our democratic values.”

Also Read: Myanmar’s Acting President Myint Swe Dies Amid Global Tariff Tensions

The warning comes after Trump announced 25% reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods last week, which took effect August 7. On Wednesday, he signed an executive order imposing an additional 25% levy on India over its purchases of Russian oil—bringing total duties to 50%, among the steepest ever imposed by Washington on any nation. The second round of duties is set to begin August 27.

Despite the sharp rhetoric, some voices emphasised the resilience of the US-India bond. Al Mason, New York-based Indian-American entrepreneur and geopolitical analyst, said Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi share a personal rapport that goes beyond formal diplomacy.

“It is not just handshakes and photo ops — it is a convergence of mindsets,” Mason told PTI. “Both understand that leadership is not about avoiding conflict, but about navigating it with clarity and purpose.”

Mason added that such relationships, forged over time, can withstand friction because they are anchored in mutual respect and a shared strategic vision.

He stressed that Washington and New Delhi cannot afford to sideline each other’s perspectives. “Their partnership is not a matter of convenience; it is a geopolitical necessity. In an increasingly polarised world, the strength of their alliance will shape not only bilateral outcomes but the global democratic narrative,” he said.

With tariffs climbing and political tensions simmering, the coming weeks may prove a critical test for one of the world’s most consequential bilateral relationships.

Also Read: PM Modi Vows to Protect Farmers Amid US Tariff Hike