Overview

• Nineteen members of Congress led by Deborah Ross and Ro Khanna sent a letter on October 8 urging President Trump to repair relations with India and reverse recent tariff hikes.
• The lawmakers cite the late‑August move that lifted duties on Indian goods to as high as 50%, combining a 25% “reciprocal” tariff with an additional 25% tied to India’s purchases of Russian oil.
• They argue the measures are punitive, hurting Indian manufacturers, raising costs for American consumers, and damaging supply chains that U.S. companies rely on.
• The letter warns the escalation could push India closer to China and Russia, stressing India’s role in the Indo‑Pacific and its importance to the Quad security partnership.
• Members highlight mutual economic benefits in sectors from semiconductors to healthcare and urge the White House to review the tariff policy and keep dialogue with New Delhi on track.