US lawmaker says Trump's tariffs threaten 'vital relationship' with India

Key US lawmaker Rep. Gregory Meeks has warned that President Donald Trump’s arbitrary tariffs on India “threaten” the “vital relationship” between the two countries.

Meeks, ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Democrats, emphasized “Congress’ support for the US-India partnership” following a meeting with Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra on Wednesday (local time).

“Met with @AmbVMKwatra to underscore Congress' support for the US-India partnership, which has strengthened over the past 25 years, including through the Quad,” the House Foreign Affairs Committee Democrats tweeted, quoting Meeks.


“I reaffirmed our commitment to deeper ties, our shared hope for peace in Ukraine, and my alarm at Trump's arbitrary tariffs that threaten this vital relationship,” Meeks added.

Responding to Meeks, Kwatra said, “Grateful for his constant counsel and steadfast support to the US-India relationship throughout his leadership on @HouseForeign.”


Kwatra added that their discussion covered “trade, energy, Indo-Pacific, and broader issues of mutual interest.”

The Indian envoy also met Rep. Carol Miller, Chair of the Congressional Energy Export Caucus, briefing her on India’s energy security and trade perspectives.

“Took the opportunity to brief @RepCarolMiller, Chair of the Congressional Energy Export Caucus, on India's energy security and trade perspectives, especially India's hydrocarbon trade with the US. Highlighted India's steadfast support to all efforts, including the Alaska Summit, for the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy,” Kwatra posted on X.

Kwatra has been meeting US lawmakers almost daily amid strained India-US relations after Trump imposed tariffs totaling 50% on India, including 25% on New Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil.

Defending its Russian crude purchases, India has maintained that its energy procurement is guided by national interest and market dynamics.

With inputs from PTI