US Congressman Ro Khanna has strongly criticized former President Donald Trump's decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian goods, suggesting it stems from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's refusal to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize. Khanna, co-chair of the US-India Caucus, argues that this move undermines decades of bipartisan efforts to strengthen the US-India strategic partnership and could drive India closer to China and Russia.
Khanna stated that the 50% tariff is higher than that imposed on any other country except Brazil and is also harsher than the tariffs on China. He believes this is hurting India's exports of leather and textiles into the United States, as well as harming American manufacturers and exports to India. He argues that the tariffs are counterproductive, pushing India towards China and Russia.
Khanna directly linked Trump's tariff decision to Modi's declining to endorse Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. He pointed out that Pakistan had nominated Trump, and India has maintained that the border dispute with Pakistan is an internal matter, refusing to give Trump credit for any role in de-escalation. Khanna urged Indian-Americans who have supported Trump to speak out against what he sees as the sabotaging of the US-India relationship.
Trump and his administration have offered several justifications for the tariffs, including claims of unfair trade practices and India's continued oil imports from Russia. Trump has stated that India imposed "tremendous tariffs, about the highest in the world" on US goods, while the US allowed Indian goods into its market without similar barriers. He cited Harley Davidson as an example, claiming India had a 200% tariff on motorcycles.
However, a New York Times report suggested that Trump sought Modi's support for a Nobel Peace Prize nomination during a June 17 phone call, after claiming credit for easing military tensions between India and Pakistan. The report stated that Modi rebuffed this request, saying the ceasefire was agreed upon directly between India and Pakistan without US mediation. The New York Times report, citing unnamed sources, suggests that Modi's refusal to support Trump's Nobel pursuit played a significant role in the souring of relations.
Some analysts have echoed Khanna's sentiment, arguing that Trump's decisions are often driven by personal grudges. Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton has also criticized Trump's tariff policies, saying they damaged US-India ties and provided an opportunity for China to expand its influence.
Despite the tensions, India and the US are reportedly engaged in discussions for a bilateral trade agreement. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has expressed hope for a conclusion to these talks.
