A group of United States lawmakers has introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives seeking to end the 50 per cent tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump on imports from India. The move reflects growing opposition within Congress to the use of emergency powers to impose sweeping trade restrictions on key partners.
The resolution has been brought forward by Democratic lawmakers Deborah Ross, Marc Veasey and Raja Krishnamoorthi. It challenges the national emergency declaration invoked by the Trump administration to justify the steep duties, arguing that the measure has hurt American consumers, workers and businesses while straining relations with India.
The tariffs were imposed in two stages. An initial 25 per cent duty was levied earlier, followed by an additional 25 per cent surcharge announced later, raising the total to 50 per cent on certain Indian imports. The Trump administration had linked the move to concerns over India’s trade practices and its continued purchase of Russian oil.
Lawmakers backing the resolution said the tariffs have increased costs for US companies that rely on Indian goods and disrupted supply chains at a time when economic stability is already under pressure. They also warned that the duties undermine a strategic partnership with India, which is seen as a key ally in the Indo-Pacific region.
Supporters of the resolution stressed that India is a major trading partner and an important destination for American exports, while Indian companies also employ thousands of workers in the United States. According to them, ending the tariffs would benefit both economies and help restore confidence in bilateral trade relations.
The resolution now awaits consideration in the House. While its passage is not guaranteed, the move signals mounting congressional pushback against unilateral trade actions and could add pressure for a review of tariff policies affecting US–India relations.