Washington, Jan 2 (NationPress) Indian American Congressman Suhas Subramanyam criticized President Donald Trump for having “completely disrupted” the India-US relationship, cautioning that the declining ties between the world’s two largest democracies are damaging both nations’ economic and strategic interests.

“Ultimately, the Trump administration has thoroughly undermined the US-India relationship,” Subramanyam remarked, highlighting a stark contrast from Trump’s initial term. “This was an administration that, during its first term, President Trump actually fortified the relationship with Prime Minister Modi,” he conveyed to IANS in an interview.

According to Subramanyam, the current decline seems to stem from both personal and policy disagreements. “Now, due to what appears to be personal conflicts with Prime Minister Modi, he is jeopardizing this robust economic relationship that has flourished for years,” Subramanyam stated. “This situation is detrimental to both nations.”

The congressman cautioned that weakening ties with India could diminish US influence in Asia. “I believe this will continue to impair our capacity and authority in shaping policies in Asia,” he articulated, referring to India as one of Washington’s most crucial long-term partners.

“It is illogical to sever or damage the ties between us and India,” Subramanyam affirmed. “Ultimately, if the US capitalizes on the opportunity by bolstering its relationship with India, we can significantly enhance our economic strength and influence.”

He emphasized that India is a natural strategic partner, especially as Washington endeavors to counter China. “As we assess the unfolding situation with China, India stands out as a natural ally in numerous respects,” he mentioned, labeling it as “one of the largest, if not the largest, democracies in the world.”

Subramanyam identified several areas where collaboration could intensify. “I would like to see the US and India forge deeper strategic defense alliances,” he expressed. “I would also advocate for increased economic collaborations and technology partnerships.”

He pointed to the evolving global supply chains as a significant opportunity. “If companies seek to withdraw from China, India presents itself as a natural partner in that pursuit,” he remarked, citing prospects in manufacturing and industrial collaboration.

However, he noted that tariffs imposed by the Trump administration have hindered this potential. “It becomes challenging when these tariffs substantially impact the economic relationship,” he stated. “The rhetoric surrounding the tariffs from the Trump administration has been very damaging to us.”

Despite bipartisan support for India in Congress, Subramanyam indicated that executive actions have complicated progress. “There are numerous individuals across both sides of the aisle who are dedicated to the relationship,” he noted. “However, it becomes exceedingly difficult when we observe the actions of this Trump administration.”

Expanding his criticism, Subramanyam expressed broader concerns regarding US foreign policy. “I am gravely concerned about our foreign policy in the US currently,” he stated, mentioning that promises to conclude wars and enhance economic ties have yet to materialize.

“This was a Trump administration that entered office vowing to end all wars,” he remarked. “The reality has been the opposite.”

He pointed out that tariffs and fractured alliances have diminished trust. “We have severed many of our economic ties with nations due to tariffs,” Subramanyam stated. “Many of our allies no longer trust us because of that.”

Looking ahead, he mentioned that Congress must work to mend relationships that have been damaged over the past year. “We need to alter the current trajectory or at least devise a strategy to reinforce some of the relationships that have been undermined by the Trump administration, including that with India,” he emphasized.

According to the recently approved National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), India and the United States have progressively enhanced defense, technology, and personal ties over the past twenty years, receiving bipartisan backing in both Washington and New Delhi. Cooperation has encompassed trade, defense procurement, and strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific, as stated in the NDAA.

Analysts have consistently regarded the India-US partnership as pivotal in counterbalancing China’s ascent, rendering congressional concerns over any prolonged decline in relations particularly noteworthy, as highlighted in a recent Congressional Research Service report.