US Congressional hearing discusses India-US ties
A US Congressional hearing on December 10, 2025, examined strains in India-US ties amid trade tariffs and strategic priorities. The House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia highlighted bipartisan concerns over President Trump’s 50% tariffs on Indian goods and related issues like India’s Russia ties. Despite tensions, lawmakers and experts affirmed India’s key role in countering China.
Partisan divides emerged, with Democrats warning of long-term damage from tariffs and Republicans questioning India’s defense commitments. Witnesses like Jeff Smith from the Heritage Foundation called discarding the partnership “strategic malpractice,” while Dhruva Jaishankar noted a “political standstill” due to trade impasses and US-Pakistan engagement.
Lawmakers unanimously agreed on India’s indispensability for Indo-Pacific security, the Quad, and maritime cooperation against China’s “string of pearls” strategy. Discussions covered intelligence sharing, joint patrols, and defense agreements like the 10-year framework. Concerns included India’s Russian oil imports facing 25% US tariffs.
The hearing followed Trump’s “warm” call with Modi but no trade deal resolution, with tariffs set from August 2025. Pakistan’s role resurfaced post-India’s May airstrikes, though experts urged US “de-hyphenation” policy. Bipartisan voices, including Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, stressed avoiding loss of India as an ally.
