Indian-American Congressman Suhas Subramanyam has accused the Trump administration of undermining the strategic partnership between India and the United States, arguing that tariffs and other policy decisions have set back bilateral ties rather than advancing them. The remarks were made in an interview in Washington on 16 July.

What the Congressman Said

'This foreign policy of this administration has been a complete failure, and they have hurt the US-India relationship,' said Subramanyam, who represents Virginia's 10th Congressional District. He went further, alleging a pattern of global damage: 'They've hurt our relationships all around the world, and except with dictators. They've strengthened those relationships.'

When asked whether a recent meeting between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had improved the bilateral climate, Subramanyam was sceptical. 'You know, it depends on which side of the bed the president wakes up on,' he said, pointing to what he described as a lack of consistency in the administration's approach to partner nations.

The Case for a Stronger US-India Partnership

Despite his criticism, Subramanyam was emphatic that Washington must deepen its engagement with New Delhi. 'I think in the end, we have to have a strong US-India relationship,' he said. 'We have to make sure that we're working with our allies on addressing the biggest problems in the world, encountering some of the folks who present themselves as our adversaries.'

He framed a robust India partnership as essential to US strategic interests, particularly in the context of global adversaries and the Indo-Pacific balance of power. India and the United States have expanded cooperation over the past two decades across defence, trade, technology, energy, and the Indo-Pacific — including through the Quad, which also comprises Australia and Japan.

Concerns Over Pakistan and Democratic Accountability

Subramanyam also raised alarms about the Trump administration's engagement with Pakistan and its army chief, General Asim Munir. 'I've spoken out a lot about my concerns about Munir and what's happening with Pakistan,' he said.

The Democratic lawmaker called for the United States to hold partners accountable on democratic governance, including Islamabad. 'In the end, we have to hold our allies to task, and that includes Pakistan and includes some of the things that have happened with their democracy,' he said. This comes amid persistent concerns in Washington over civil-military tensions in Pakistan and its role in regional security.

Tariffs and Trade Friction

Returning to trade policy, Subramanyam argued that the administration's tariff measures had actively complicated the bilateral relationship. 'I think some of the things the President has done, with the tariffs and with some of his actions, have not been productive as far as continuing the US-India relationship,' he said.

Notably, this is not the first time Democratic lawmakers have criticised the Trump administration's use of tariffs as a diplomatic instrument. Several members of Congress have warned that blanket tariff policies risk alienating strategic partners at a time when US influence in the Indo-Pacific is under pressure.

Background and Context

Subramanyam has represented Virginia's 10th Congressional District since 2025. Northern Virginia is home to one of the largest Indian-American communities in the country, with a significant concentration of technology workers, entrepreneurs, and federal government employees — constituencies that are directly affected by both immigration and trade policy decisions.

As US-India ties enter a critical phase ahead of potential trade deal negotiations, how the administration navigates tariff policy and strategic alignment will be closely watched on both sides of the relationship.