Have Democratic Lawmakers Criticized Trump’s India Policy as Trade Talks Resume?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Trump's foreign policy is under scrutiny.
- Democratic lawmakers are calling for stronger US-India ties.
- Trade negotiations are back on track.
- Criticism from both sides highlights the complexities of diplomacy.
- The future of US-India relations remains uncertain.
Washington, September 10 (NationPress) Sydney Kamlager-Dove, the Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia, has condemned the Trump administration's approach to India, labeling it as "reckless".
While addressing the House on Wednesday (US time), Dove expressed concern over the deterioration of the strategic partnership with India under Donald Trump's leadership.
She charged the US President with practicing a "reckless foreign policy style" that has "unraveled decades of progress" with India in just a few months.
"This partnership is too vital to be jeopardized by Trump's ego and the complicity of Republicans. Trump must take corrective actions, forge a deal, and address the damage caused. He needs to step up for the sake of this nation and our relations with India," she stated.
Dove also criticized Republicans for "failing to advocate for the US-India relationship when it truly counts".
This statement followed Trump’s announcement that his administration has resumed trade discussions with India.
On Tuesday, he shared on Truth Social, "I am pleased to announce that India and the United States of America are continuing negotiations to tackle the trade barriers between our two nations."
Trump further referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "very good friend" and expressed eagerness to converse with him "in the upcoming weeks".
In response to Trump’s comments, PM Modi took to X to reaffirm the strength of the India-US relationship and expressed optimism about the ongoing trade discussions.
He stated, "India and the US are close friends and natural partners. I am confident our trade negotiations will unlock the limitless potential of the India-US partnership."
After a period of relative silence, numerous Democratic lawmakers are now voicing support for enhanced US-India relations.
On Tuesday, US Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, also criticized the Trump administration for its handling of India, describing the recent rise in tensions between the two nations as "unfortunate".
During her speech at the Council on Foreign Relations, a Washington-based think tank, Shaheen remarked that years of efforts to strengthen ties with India have been "undone" in recent months.
She concluded, "It’s unfortunate that after years of trying to build this relationship with India and Prime Minister Modi, it has been dismantled in just months."