US Congress backs deeper India partnership despite trade friction

Bipartisan members of the U.S. Congress reaffirmed strong support for the U.S.-India strategic partnership at the Capitol Hill Summit 2026, even as the two governments contend with trade, tariff and visa disputes.

Democratic Representatives Ro Khanna and Ami Bera, along with Republican Senator Steve Daines, stressed that ties between the United States and India have steadily expanded across successive administrations and are essential for addressing global challenges such as the war in Ukraine, democracy promotion, and security in the Indo‑Pacific. Daines recalled a recent phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former President Donald Trump that helped defuse tariff tensions.

Congressional members highlighted cooperation in defence, technology, artificial intelligence, critical minerals and semiconductor supply chains, and urged India to assume greater global responsibilities as the world’s fastest‑growing economy. They also defended Indian students and professionals in the United States, describing Indian Americans as a highly educated demographic.

Former U.S. Ambassador to India Richard Verma warned that recent trade and visa issues expose vulnerabilities, but the overall consensus in Congress remains that the partnership is a cornerstone of democratic and strategic interests for both nations.