New Delhi: US Democrat lawmaker Ami Bera has advised India to “flex its diplomatic muscle” and act as a mediator in the Russia-Ukraine conflict to help seal a trade deal with Washington.
Speaking to NDTV, Bera said the 50 per cent tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on Indian imports hurt both sides. “They impact Indian workers and do not help US consumers, as inflation and prices rise,” he noted.
Bera mentioned that a ministerial-level delegation, including Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, will travel to New York this week for the next round of trade talks. He hopes they meet US trade officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, to reach a deal that benefits both nations.
The lawmaker stressed that India has a unique line of communication with Russia. He suggested that India use its position to assist in resolving the Ukraine conflict, which could strengthen its bargaining power in trade negotiations.
India-US ties have faced strain recently due to tariffs, India’s purchase of Russian oil, and sanctions related to Iran’s Chabahar port project. Despite these challenges, Bera said Washington sees India as a key partner to move supply chains out of China, presenting a “real opportunity” for both countries.
