US Democratic Lawmakers Move to Block Trump’s Steep Tariffs on Indian Imports
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New Delhi/Washington: Three Democratic lawmakers in the US House of Representatives have introduced a joint resolution seeking to block President Donald Trump’s decision to impose steep tariffs of up to 50 per cent on Indian imports. The move targets the national emergency declared by the Trump administration, which was used to justify the tariff hikes.
The resolution was introduced on Friday by Representatives Deborah Ross of North Carolina, Marc Veasey of Texas and Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois. It seeks to terminate the national emergency declared in August 2025 under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which enabled the White House to impose sharply higher duties on goods imported from India.
Under Trump’s order, Indian products were first subjected to a 25 per cent tariff from August 1, followed by an additional 25 per cent “secondary” duty days later, pushing the total levy on several categories to 50 per cent. The administration justified the move by citing India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, arguing that it indirectly supported Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine.
The Democratic lawmakers have described the tariffs as illegal, economically harmful and counterproductive. They argue that the measures hurt American workers, disrupt supply chains and damage long-term US-India relations. Deborah Ross said North Carolina’s economy is closely linked with India through trade, investment and the Indian American community, warning that the tariffs put jobs, innovation and competitiveness at risk.
Marc Veasey said India remains a vital cultural, economic and strategic partner of the United States. He argued that the tariffs effectively function as a tax on American consumers already facing rising costs, adding to affordability pressures across households.
Raja Krishnamoorthi described the tariff strategy as harmful to both countries. He said the duties undermine American workers, raise consumer prices and weaken economic and security cooperation with India, rather than advancing US national interests.
The House resolution follows a recent bipartisan vote in the US Senate to end emergency-based tariffs imposed on Brazil, reflecting growing congressional resistance to the President’s use of emergency powers to reshape trade policy. Lawmakers have increasingly questioned whether such powers are being used beyond their intended scope.
If passed, the resolution would formally end the national emergency declared on August 6, 2025, and roll back the additional duties imposed on Indian imports. The move is also seen as part of a broader effort by congressional Democrats to reassert Congress’s constitutional authority over trade policy and repair strained ties with New Delhi.
Our Final Thoughts
The push by US lawmakers to block steep tariffs on Indian imports highlights growing unease in Washington over the use of emergency powers to drive trade decisions. While geopolitical concerns continue to shape global trade policy, the economic fallout of such measures often lands on workers, consumers and long-term partnerships. India remains a key strategic and economic partner for the United States, and sustained tariff pressure risks undermining cooperation at a time when both countries seek stability in global supply chains. The outcome of this resolution will be closely watched, not just for its impact on India-US trade, but also for what it signals about Congress’s role in shaping future American trade policy.