Indian-origin Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal criticised President Trump’s tariffs on Indian goods, saying they are raising prices for Americans and also pushing India closer to other global powers. In a post on X, Jayapal said, “Trump’s tariffs on India aren’t only raising prices for Americans — they are pushing India away as a trading ally and giving the country more incentive to partner with Russia and China. That hurts our economy and makes us all less safe.”During a congressional hearing, Jayapal questioned expert witness Sameer Lalwani about the impact of these tariffs and how India could feel its neighbouring countries, Pakistan and Bangladesh, have lower tariffs. She said, “In August, President Trump doubled tariffs on many Indian goods to 50%. How concerned is India over the fact that its neighbors, Pakistan and Bangladesh, have secured lower tariff rates than India, while India continues to actively negotiate? And how could the perception that the U.S. is no longer a reliable partner impact India’s relationship with BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization?”Lalwani responded that the tariffs are a significant concern for India, limiting export potential and increasing costs. He warned that the measures could push India closer to BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, running counter to the intended goals of the tariffs.Since August, Trump’s trade policy has raised duties on Indian imports, including textiles, gems, leather, and seafood, in some cases up to 50%. Indian officials and industry groups warn that these high tariffs could sharply reduce exports to the US, India’s largest export market, putting jobs in labour-intensive sectors at risk.
