Post by : Rameen Ariff

Washington: In a major move to strengthen US-India relations, three members of the US House of Representatives have introduced a resolution seeking to end the controversial tariffs imposed on India by former President Donald Trump. The resolution, led by Representatives Deborah Ross, Marc Veasey, and Raja Krishnamoorthi, aims to terminate Trump’s national emergency declaration that allowed tariffs of up to 50 per cent on Indian imports. Lawmakers described these tariffs as “illegal” and damaging to American workers, consumers, and bilateral economic ties.

The resolution comes after a bipartisan Senate measure sought to end similar tariffs on Brazil and curb the President’s use of emergency powers to raise import duties. Under the proposed resolution, the additional 25 per cent “secondary” tariffs imposed on India on August 27, 2025, would be rescinded. These tariffs, combined with previous reciprocal duties, had raised the cost of many Indian-origin products to 50 per cent under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

Congresswoman Deborah Ross emphasized the strong economic connection between the US and India, highlighting North Carolina as an example. Indian companies have invested over a billion dollars in the state, creating thousands of jobs across sectors such as technology and life sciences. At the same time, North Carolina manufacturers export hundreds of millions of dollars in goods to India annually.

Congressman Marc Veasey noted that India is a vital cultural, economic, and strategic partner, stressing that the high tariffs act as a tax on everyday Americans already facing rising living costs. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi added that the tariffs disrupt supply chains, harm American workers, and increase costs for consumers. He argued that ending the tariffs would strengthen economic and security cooperation between the United States and India.

The resolution forms part of a wider effort by congressional Democrats to challenge unilateral trade measures imposed by former President Trump and restore a balanced approach to US-India economic relations. Earlier in October, Representatives Ross, Veasey, Krishnamoorthi, and Congressman Ro Khanna, along with 19 other lawmakers, urged Trump to reverse his tariff policies to repair strained ties with India.

“These duties, instead of advancing American interests, disrupt supply chains, harm workers, and drive up consumer costs,” Krishnamoorthi said. “Ending these damaging tariffs will allow the United States to work with India to further our shared economic and security goals.”

The tariffs were first imposed by Trump in August 2025, citing India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, which he claimed was contributing to Moscow’s war efforts in Ukraine. Initially, a 25 per cent tariff was applied on August 1, followed by an additional 25 per cent days later, bringing the total duty to 50 per cent on a range of Indian imports. The newly introduced resolution represents a strong push by Congress to reclaim authority over trade policy and prevent the unilateral use of emergency powers for imposing such trade restrictions.

With US-India trade and strategic partnership growing steadily, the resolution signals a bipartisan commitment to protecting economic ties and ensuring that American consumers and businesses are not adversely affected by punitive tariffs on India.

#Global News