Washington, DC: US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has warned that relations between the United States and India have entered a “cold and frigid phase,” cautioning that recent policy decisions risk weakening a partnership built steadily over the past three decades.
Speaking during his keynote address at the India Abroad Dialogue in Chicago, Krishnamoorthi said the current trajectory of US policy is undermining one of America’s most important strategic relationships. He stressed that ties between the two democracies should remain warm and continue to grow in significance, given their shared values and long-term geopolitical interests.
Krishnamoorthi highlighted the common commitments that bind the two nations, including equality, freedom, democracy, minority rights, secularism and free enterprise. He said India’s importance to the United States extends far beyond trade and economics, describing New Delhi as a vital strategic partner and trusted friend of Washington. Against this backdrop, he sharply criticized the tariff policies pursued under the Trump administration, arguing that they have damaged goodwill and trust.
The Congressman said imposing higher tariffs on India than on China was strategically counterproductive, particularly at a time when the United States is seeking to counter China’s growing global influence. “The United States should not be pushing away its friends and allies like India,” he said, adding that such measures weaken America’s own strategic position on the world stage.
Krishnamoorthi also spoke in strong support of legal immigration, warning that anti-Indian sentiment has been on the rise in the country. He emphasized the critical role Indian Americans play in strengthening bilateral ties and contributing to American society. Citing prominent Indian American figures, he said the United States would not have benefitted from leaders and professionals like eminent physician Dr Bharat Barai without a robust legal immigration system.
Referring to Indian Americans as “India’s greatest export,” Krishnamoorthi said the nearly five-million-strong community acts as a vital bridge between New Delhi and Washington. He noted that Indian Americans contribute significantly across sectors, including medicine, technology, business and public service, while also fostering deeper cultural and diplomatic connections between the two nations.
The remarks were delivered at the India Abroad Dialogue, a 10-city national tour that began in Detroit, Michigan, and is being held in partnership with the Foundation of India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS), the US Indian Community Foundation and several other community organizations. The dialogue series aims to promote discussion on US–India relations, diaspora engagement and shared democratic values at a critical moment for the bilateral partnership.
