Trump tariffs could endanger 25-year partnership with India, warns former US diplomats

News Topical, Digital Desk : A prominent Democratic lawmaker and several former US diplomats have warned that President Donald Trump's tariff policies and diplomatic missteps could put the carefully built US-India strategic partnership over 25 years at risk. This warning was given in an emergency conference organized by Congressman Ro Khanna, co-chair of the Congressional India Caucus and a vocal critic of President Trump.

The conference was attended by former US ambassadors to India Richard Verma and Eric Garcetti as well as venture capitalist Vinod Khosla and other prominent tech industry figures from the Indian diaspora. Khanna stressed the gravity of the timing and said he would not have organised the conference if it was not urgent. He wanted to raise awareness about current developments.

Trump has destroyed 25 years of progress - Richard Verma

Richard Verma, who was the US ambassador to India during President Barack Obama's tenure, presented his assessment of the current state of the relationship. He said that in two months the president has undone the progress made in 24-25 years. Verma said that this relationship started with President Bill Clinton's historic visit to India in 2000, when the US "distinctly" from its India-Pakistan policy and chose the path of independent partnership with India.

Concern expressed over calling Munir to Oval Office

The former ambassador expressed particular concern over Trump's decision to invite Pakistan's army chief to the Oval Office for the first time in US history. Both former ambassadors described trust as the biggest weakness in the relationship. Verma said that the last few months have proved that America cannot be trusted. Eric Garcetti, who was recently the ambassador to India, warned of the deepest shock in more than 20 years. He also said that recent events are more fundamental changes than strategic disagreements on trade agreements, whose impact on India will not end overnight.

Garcetti urges Republican and Democratic lawmakers to join forces

Garcetti outlined the traditional bipartisan India policy, saying he had worked with current National Security Adviser Mike Waltz before when both Khanna and Waltz served as co-chairs of the India Caucus, but that policy is now under pressure. The group outlined specific actions for the business and tech community and urged them to engage with lawmakers from both the Republican and Democratic parties.

Khanna particularly called on Republican lawmakers to press the strategic importance of the relationship and called on Democrats to be more active on internet media. This diplomatic crisis comes at a time when both countries are facing common challenges related to the rise of China and the need for cooperation on critical technologies, supply chains and energy production.

India and America are on the same path, on the same path- Garcetti

Garcetti said that India and America are on the same path, due to which the current tension has become worrying for long-term strategic interests. The former ambassadors also expressed concern over the anti-India rhetoric emerging from some areas. Garcetti warned about racist statements and anti-national messages targeting both India and Indian-Americans.

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