US Congressman Ro Khanna has launched a scathing critique of former President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian exports, warning that the move is pushing India closer to Russia and China while jeopardizing decades of bipartisan efforts to strengthen the US-India strategic partnership. In a video message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Khanna accused Trump of acting out of personal grievance and ego, rather than strategic foresight.
Khanna, who co-chairs the US-India Caucus, said the tariffs were not only hurting Indian exporters—particularly in leather and textiles—but also damaging American manufacturers and undermining Washington’s credibility with global allies. His remarks have reignited debate over the future of US-India relations and the broader implications of Trump’s trade policies.
🧭 Ro Khanna’s Key Statements on India Tariffs
| Statement / Claim | Context / Implication |
|---|---|
| “Trump imposed 50% tariffs on India—higher than China” | Suggests punitive intent, not strategic logic |
| “India refused to nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize” | Alleged personal motive behind policy |
| “We can’t let Trump’s ego destroy US-India ties” | Urges bipartisan defense of strategic alliance |
| “Tariffs are driving India toward China and Russia” | Warns of geopolitical realignment |
| “Indian Americans must speak out” | Calls for political accountability |
Khanna’s comments were echoed by former National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, who accused Trump of “throwing away” the India relationship due to Pakistan’s willingness to engage with his family business.
🔍 Timeline of Tariff Imposition and Fallout
| Date | Event / Development | Impact on US-India Relations |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 27, 2025 | Trump imposes 50% tariff on Indian goods | Trade disruption, diplomatic strain |
| Sept 1, 2025 | India initiates WTO consultation | Formal challenge to US trade policy |
| Sept 2, 2025 | Ro Khanna posts video message | Sparks bipartisan debate |
| Sept 3, 2025 | Indian exporters report 30% drop in US orders | Economic consequences intensify |
The tariffs have affected key Indian sectors including leather, textiles, chemicals, and furniture, with ripple effects on American importers and retailers.
📉 Strategic Risks of Alienating India
Khanna’s warning reflects growing concern among US policymakers that Trump’s trade policies are undermining Washington’s strategic interests in Asia.
| Risk Factor | Strategic Consequence | Expert Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| Trade Disruption | Loss of Indian market access for US firms | “Short-sighted and self-defeating” – Khanna |
| Geopolitical Drift | India explores alternatives to US partnership | “Modi is playing his cards smartly” – Sullivan |
| Diplomatic Isolation | India skips US-led forums | “Friends will think they can’t rely on us” |
| Economic Retaliation | India imposes counter-tariffs | WTO challenge underway |
Khanna emphasized that India is “not an adversary like China” and should be treated as a strategic partner, not punished for asserting its autonomy.
🔥 Alleged Personal Motives Behind Tariff Decision
In a controversial claim, Khanna suggested that Trump’s tariff decision was motivated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s refusal to nominate him for a Nobel Peace Prize. According to reports, Trump had sought credit for easing tensions between India and Pakistan, but Modi dismissed the claim, stating the ceasefire was an internal matter.
| Alleged Trigger | Trump’s Reaction | Policy Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Modi refused Nobel nomination | Trump felt slighted | Imposed 50% tariff on Indian exports |
| Pakistan nominated Trump | Trump praised Pakistan’s cooperation | India punished despite strategic alignment |
Khanna called the move “ego over strategy,” urging Indian-American voters who supported Trump to speak out against the policy.
🧠 Expert Commentary and Political Reactions
| Expert Name | Role | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Ro Khanna | US Congressman, Democrat | “We must protect bipartisan ties with India.” |
| Jake Sullivan | Former NSA | “Trump threw away the India relationship.” |
| Vinod Khosla | Indian-American Billionaire | “This is about Trump’s ego, not policy.” |
| Nikki Haley | Former UN Ambassador | “India is not an adversary like China.” |
The controversy has sparked debate within the Indian-American community, with Khanna pressing MAGA-aligned voters to break their silence.
📦 Economic Impact of Tariffs on India and US
| Sector Affected | India Export Loss (%) | US Import Cost Rise (%) | Strategic Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leather Goods | 35% | 20% | Loss of competitiveness |
| Textiles | 28% | 18% | Retail inflation |
| Chemicals | 22% | 15% | Supply chain disruption |
| Furniture | 30% | 25% | Reduced consumer choice |
Indian exporters have reported order cancellations and delayed shipments, while US retailers warn of price hikes and inventory shortages.
📌 Conclusion
Ro Khanna’s blistering critique of Donald Trump’s 50% tariff on Indian goods has reignited debate over the future of US-India relations. As the fallout from the trade policy continues to unfold, bipartisan voices are calling for a reset—one that prioritizes strategic alignment over personal grievance. With India increasingly engaging Russia and China, Washington must decide whether to repair the damage or risk losing one of its most vital global partnerships.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available expert commentary and media reports as of September 3, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute diplomatic, legal, or investment advice.
