Democratic Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove has delivered a sharp critique of President Donald Trump, warning that his foreign policy decisions threaten to undo decades of progress in the US-India relationship. Speaking in her capacity as the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia, Kamlager-Dove accused Trump of prioritising his ego over strategic interests, particularly through the sudden imposition of 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods. She emphasised that such actions could jeopardise the long-standing partnership, which she described as “too important to be sacrificed for Trump’s ego.”
Kamlager-Dove highlighted the achievements of the Biden administration, noting that it had strengthened US-India collaboration across defense, strategic technologies, and regional alliances like the Quad. In contrast, she warned that Trump’s abrupt trade measures and confrontational diplomacy risked undermining these gains in a matter of months. She also criticised Republicans for remaining silent, attributing their inaction to loyalty to the MAGA base and what she called an “isolationist” approach.
The congresswoman urged the Trump administration to repair the damage and resume constructive engagement with India. She stressed that strong bilateral cooperation is essential for the United States to maintain influence in Asia and counter the growing strategic competition from China. “He needs to get his act together on behalf of this country and our relationship with India,” she stated, underscoring the urgency of reversing the recent trade and policy decisions.
Her remarks reflect Democratic concern that Trump’s impulsive policies could erode US credibility as a reliable partner, especially at a time when New Delhi is increasingly viewed as a critical strategic ally. In response, the administration has announced the resumption of trade talks with India, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing optimism about unlocking the “limitless potential” of the bilateral partnership and both sides committing to conclude negotiations swiftly.
