Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna has sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump, claiming that bilateral relations between India and the United States have reached their weakest point in nearly three decades due to the administration's foreign and trade policies.
Speaking at the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum Leadership Summit in Washington, the California Democrat argued that recent developments have significantly eroded trust between the two strategic partners.
Khanna Says Bilateral Trust Has Been Damaged
Addressing the summit, Khanna stated that the relationship between New Delhi and Washington is facing its most difficult phase in approximately 30 years.
He attributed the deterioration primarily to President Trump's foreign policy decisions, including the conflict involving Iran and trade measures affecting India.
Khanna remarked that those questioning his assessment should "ask External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar," suggesting that Indian officials are aware of the strain in bilateral relations.
Claims Trump's Iran Policy Hurt India
Khanna argued that the U.S. administration's military actions and policies concerning Iran have had wider economic consequences for India.
According to him, disruptions in the region contributed to higher global energy prices, increasing fuel costs for Indian consumers and affecting India's broader economic interests.
He described the policy as "utterly destructive" and said it had adversely impacted India's energy security.
Ambassador's Remark on Trust
The Congressman also referred to a recent visit to China, claiming that India's ambassador there told him a "generation of trust" had been lost because of President Trump's policies.
The statement reflects Khanna's personal account of conversations during his diplomatic engagements. There has been no official public confirmation from the Government of India regarding the reported remarks.
Trade Disputes Continue to Affect Relations
Khanna's comments come amid continuing trade disagreements between India and the United States.
Bilateral relations have experienced friction following the U.S. administration's tariff measures on Indian exports, with Washington citing India's continued purchases of Russian oil among the factors influencing its trade decisions.
Negotiations on a broader trade agreement between the two countries have remained under discussion as both governments seek to resolve outstanding issues.
Criticism of Broader Foreign Policy
Beyond India, Khanna criticized several aspects of President Trump's foreign policy, arguing that the United States had moved away from its traditional global leadership role.
He questioned the administration's approach toward Iran, Cuba, and Greenland, asserting that America's international standing had weakened under current policies.
According to Khanna, the United States should strengthen partnerships through diplomacy rather than coercion.
Immigration and AI Talent Concerns
Khanna also expressed concern over U.S. immigration policies affecting international students and skilled professionals.
He argued that restrictions on foreign talent could undermine America's leadership in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Highlighting the global nature of technological innovation, Khanna noted that many leading AI researchers have international educational backgrounds and emphasized the importance of attracting skilled professionals to the United States.
Political Outlook
Looking ahead, Khanna predicted that the Democratic Party would perform strongly in future elections, describing President Trump as a "lame duck."
He expressed confidence that Democrats would regain political momentum during the upcoming midterm elections and the 2028 presidential race.
Shunyatax Global Insight
Ro Khanna's remarks underscore the growing political debate within the United States over the future of India-U.S. relations. While strategic cooperation between the two democracies continues across defence, technology, and Indo-Pacific security, differences over trade, energy, and global conflicts remain key challenges. The long-term trajectory of bilateral ties will likely depend on continued diplomatic engagement, economic negotiations, and shared strategic interests.
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