A viral photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin reached the US Congress this week. The image appeared during a House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee hearing on the US-India strategic partnership. Democratic Ranking Member Sydney Kamlager-Dove displayed the poster and argued that President Donald Trump’s tariff actions are straining a critical alliance.
She said Trump’s approach pushes India toward Moscow. She warned that the United States, not India, is weakening decades of cooperation. She criticised Trump’s decision to impose a 25 percent “Liberation Day tariff” and another 25 percent levy on Indian imports of Russian oil. She noted that India now faces a higher tariff rate than China.
Kamlager-Dove also condemned the proposed USD 100,000 H-1B visa fee, which heavily impacts Indian professionals. She said these measures insult India’s contributions to the United States.
Experts echoed her concerns. Dhruva Jaishankar of ORF America said both nations had moved close to a trade agreement before tensions rose. Witnesses urged Washington to protect the partnership because it supports supply chains and counters China.
Modi and Putin highlighted their own strong ties during the Russian leader’s recent visit to Delhi. Their shared car ride signaled their close rapport, increasing concern in Washington over India’s strategic direction.
