US Lawmakers Rally in Bipartisan Push to Defend and Strengthen India–US Ties Amid Policy Strains
US lawmakers from both parties have united to defend the India–US partnership through multiple bipartisan letters and resolutions. They are pressing the Trump administration for accountability on policies affecting Indian interests, such as H-1B visa restrictions and trade tariffs, and voicing concerns about events that could fuel anti-Hindu prejudice. The lawmakers emphasize the importance of the bilateral relationship and the Indian American community’s contributions, urging cooperation and dialogue to overcome recent tensions.
In a significant bipartisan effort, US lawmakers have introduced at least six letters and resolutions over the past ten days to defend the India–US relationship amid ongoing trade and visa tensions[1][7]. These actions come in response to recent Trump administration policies—including steep tariffs and restrictive H-1B visa measures—that have targeted Indian interests and sparked concern among the Indian American community and US businesses that depend on skilled Indian workers[1]. The lawmakers, including both Democrats and Republicans, are urging the administration to reconsider these policies, arguing that they harm US competitiveness and risk pushing India closer to other global powers[2]. Notably, a group of House members expressed concern that a Rutgers University event on Hindutva could further stigmatize Hindu Americans, especially in the context of recent attacks on Hindu temples[3][4]. The lawmakers do not seek to ban such events but stress the need to avoid conflating Hinduism with political ideologies and to safeguard religious pluralism on campuses[5]. The bipartisan push also includes resolutions recognizing the Indian American diaspora’s contributions and condemning acts of racism, while framing the US–India partnership as vital to both nations’ democratic futures[1]. Despite earlier reticence, especially among Republicans, the recent surge in congressional activism signals a desire to stabilize and deepen ties, as negotiations for a new trade agreement resume and both sides express public gestures of goodwill, such as President Trump’s Diwali event at the White House[1]. Key legislators emphasize that the relationship should transcend partisan politics and reflect shared democratic values and mutual interests.
