Trump's Tariffs Threaten US-India Relations Says Meeks

New York, Sep 4 (PTI) — A prominent US legislator, Rep. Gregory Meeks, expressed concern that President Donald Trump’s imposition of arbitrary tariffs on India poses a threat to the crucial relationship between the two nations.

Meeks, who serves as a ranking member of the Democratic side of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, emphasized Congress' support for the enduring US-India partnership during a meeting with the Indian Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, on Wednesday.

"I met with @AmbVMKwatra to emphasize Congress’ backing of the US-India alliance, which has grown stronger over the last 25 years and includes collaboration within the Quad," the House Foreign Affairs Committee Dems shared on social media, quoting Meeks.

"I reaffirmed our intent for deeper connections, our joint wish for peace in Ukraine, and my concern over Trump’s unpredictable tariffs that endanger this essential partnership," Meeks stated.

In response to Meeks' post, Kwatra expressed gratitude for Meeks’ consistent guidance and unwavering support toward the US-India relationship throughout his leadership in the House Foreign Affairs Committee. “Our discussion covered trade, energy, the Indo-Pacific region, and various issues of shared interest,” Kwatra wrote in his social media message.

Kwatra also engaged with Rep. Carol Miller, Chair of the Congressional Energy Export Caucus, to provide insights on India's energy security and trade perspectives.

"I took the chance to brief @RepCarolMiller on India's energy security and trade viewpoints, particularly concerning India's hydrocarbon trade with the US. I highlighted India's unwavering support for all initiatives, including the Alaska Summit, aimed at resolving the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy," the Indian envoy posted on platform X.

Kwatra's interactions with US lawmakers have been frequent as tensions between India and the US have risen following President Trump’s 50 percent tariffs on India, which include a 25 percent tariff related to India’s acquisition of Russian oil. India defends its purchase of Russian crude oil by emphasizing that its energy sourcing is guided by national interests and market dynamics.

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