India important strategic partner: US lawmakers move to revoke Trumps damaging 50% tariffs

New Delhi: In a significant development, three US lawmakers on Friday introduced a resolution seeking to revoke the steep tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on India earlier this year. The lawmakers described the tariffs as harmful to American companies and workers and warned that they could strain India–US relations in the long run.

The resolution is backed by a bipartisan group led by Deborah Ross, Marc Veasey, and Raja Krishnamoorthi. It aims to rescind the national emergency declared by Trump in August 2025 under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which enabled the administration to sharply raise tariffs on goods imported from India. The move also seeks to end similar tariffs imposed on Brazil. More broadly, the House resolution is intended to curb Trump’s unilateral trade actions and rebuild Indo-American relations.

Initially, Trump imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods starting August 1, followed days later by an additional 25 per cent "secondary” duty, taking the total levy on many items to 50 per cent. The move was linked to India’s continued purchases from Russia, which the US administration viewed unfavourably.

The White House justified the decision by citing India’s purchase of Russian oil, arguing that it indirectly supported Moscow’s war efforts in Ukraine.

According to Congresswoman Deborah Ross, North Carolina is highly dependent on India for trade and investment. She also highlighted the significant Indian population in the state and noted that investments by Indian companies have created jobs, particularly in the life sciences and technology sectors. Ross warned that the tariffs put jobs, innovation, and competitiveness at risk.

Addressing similar concerns, Congressman Marc Veasey said India is a key cultural, economic, and strategic partner of the United States. "These illegal tariffs are a tax on everyday North Texans who are already struggling with affordability at every level,” he said.

Indian-American lawmaker Raja Krishnamoorthi described the tariffs as counterproductive to US interests, stating that they "disrupt supply chains, harm American workers, and drive up costs for consumers,” rather than serving the interests of Americans.

Lawmakers have long sought to reclaim congressional authority over trade and strengthen ties with India. In October, Ross, Veasey, and Krishnamoorthi—along with Congressman Ro Khanna and 19 other lawmakers—urged Trump to reverse his tariff policies and repair relations with New Delhi.

If passed, the resolution would formally terminate the national emergency declared on August 6, 2025, and roll back the additional duties imposed on Indian imports.