New York: The debate over President Donald Trump’s steep 50% tariffs on Indian goods has intensified, with American policy experts warning that the move could harm long-term strategic ties.
Edward Price, a foreign policy scholar at New York University, said the tariffs were “irrational and self-defeating.” He argued that Washington should not only remove the duties entirely but also apologise to India for the diplomatic strain they caused. Price called the U.S.–India relationship the “most important partnership of the 21st century” and stressed that alienating New Delhi risks pushing it closer to China and Russia—two powers the U.S. seeks to contain.
The criticism is not limited to academics. Congressman Ro Khanna, who has long championed stronger India ties, described the tariffs as a “five-alarm fire” that undermines decades of bipartisan progress. He cautioned that instead of strengthening America’s hand, the trade clash may fracture trust and encourage India to diversify its alliances away from Washington.
India, meanwhile, has taken steps to soften the economic blow at home, including record government cotton purchases to stabilize farmer incomes. Officials in New Delhi have also signaled that they remain open to dialogue, but expect fair treatment from the U.S.
As both governments weigh their next moves, analysts warn that the outcome could shape the balance of power in Asia. For now, experts insist that a zero-tariff reset is essential if Washington wants to preserve India as a reliable partner.
