Three Democratic lawmakers have introduced a resolution in the US House of Representatives to end the 50 per cent tariff on Indian imports imposed by President Donald Trump.
The resolution brought by Congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthy, Deborah Ross and Marc Veasey termed the high tariff on Indian products as “illegal” and “economically damaging”.
The resolution follows a bipartisan, Senate-passed measure to end tariffs imposed on Brazil and the President’s use of emergency powers to raise import duties. Trump had invoked his powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose sweeping tariffs on India.
“President Trump’s irresponsible tariff strategy toward India is a counterproductive approach that weakens a critical partnership,” Krishnamoorthy said in a statement.
"Instead of advancing American interests or security, these duties disrupt supply chains, harm American workers, and drive up costs for consumers. Ending these damaging tariffs will allow the United States to engage with India to advance our shared economic and security needs," he said.
According to Ross, the impact of the tariff is being felt directly in states such as North Carolina, which has close commercial and community ties with India.
"North Carolina's economy is deeply connected to India through trade, investment, and a vibrant Indian American community," she said.
Ross pointed out that Indian companies have invested over a billion dollars in the state, creating thousands of jobs in sectors such as life sciences and technology, while North Carolina manufacturers export hundreds of millions of dollars in goods to India annually.
Veasey, meanwhile, underscored the consumer impact of the tariffs. "India is an important cultural, economic, and strategic partner, and these illegal tariffs are a tax on everyday North Texans who are already struggling with rising costs," Veasey said.
In October, a group of 19 Members of Congress, including Ross, Veasey, and Krishnamoorthi, had urged the President to reverse his tariff policies and repair strained bilateral ties with India.
