Belagavi (Karnataka) [India], December 29 (ANI): Indian-origin US Congressman Shri Thanedar on Sunday described the current India-US relationship as “a little bit strained” due to hefty tariffs imposed by Washington on New Delhi, largely linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil, which he said fuels Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine.
Speaking to reporters during a personal visit to Karnataka, where he attended the centenary celebrations of the school from which he graduated, the Michigan 13th District lawmaker emphasized the need for stronger friendship and trust between the two countries. He noted that trade tensions were not proving beneficial to bilateral relations.
“The relations between India and the US right now are a little bit strained because of the tariff, but those tariffs aren’t helping,” Thanedar said. “India needs to have more friendship with America, and America needs to have more friendship and trust with India, and that will help a great deal.”
In August, US President Donald Trump imposed a 25 percent tariff on Indian goods starting August 1, followed days later by an additional 25 percent increase, citing India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. The move raised total tariffs on Indian goods to 50 percent, with Washington claiming the oil purchases support Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine.
Earlier this month, a delegation of US trade officials from the Office of the US Trade Representative, led by Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer, visited India. According to sources in the Commerce Ministry, both sides held productive discussions on a wide range of issues, including ongoing negotiations for a mutually beneficial India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement.
The sources said both sides agreed to continue the current purposeful and positive engagement. The delegation visited India from December 9 to December 11, marking Switzer’s first trip to the country since assuming his current role.
During the visit, Switzer met Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, and other senior Indian officials. Agrawal and Switzer discussed trade and broader economic ties during their meeting.
Thanedar, who graduated from Chintaman Rao Government Primary and High School in Belagavi in 1969, expressed pride in the institution’s progress over the years and described the centenary celebrations as a “very proud moment.”
“I am here in Belagavi because I graduated from this Chintaman Rao Government Primary and High School in 1969. I am proud of the school and the progress it has made, and I am here to celebrate the 100th anniversary of this school. It is a very proud moment,” he said.
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