At a congressional hearing on the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership, Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove warned that President Donald Trump risks becoming “the president who lost India” as tensions rise over tariffs, visa fees and bilateral grievances. She told lawmakers that India is vital to U.S. interests in defense, energy, artificial intelligence, space and other advanced technologies, and that the relationship “will be defining for both countries in how we place ourselves in the 21st-century world order.” Kamlager-Dove added that cooperation through the Quad helps preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The congresswoman said goodwill between Washington and New Delhi has sharply deteriorated. She argued Mr. Trump inherited an energized Quad, expanding defense-technology ties, coordinated supply-chain work and strong political momentum, but has weakened that progress — saying ties have been “flushed down the toilet.” She accused the administration of letting personal grievances, rather than strategic national interests, steer policy.
Kamlager-Dove pointed to trade measures and other moves she says have eroded trust: a reported 50 percent levy on Indian goods, a 25 percent tariff on India-linked Russian oil imports, and a new $100,000 fee on H-1B visas. Noting that Indians hold roughly 70 percent of H-1B visas, she warned the fee would harm workers who support U.S. innovation in technology, science and medicine and would chill high-level engagement, contributing to the postponement of a Quad leaders summit.
She also accused the administration of signaling openness to Russia while pushing India away, and suggested such posture may be driven in part by personal aims, including an apparent focus on securing a Nobel Peace Prize. Kamlager-Dove said these policies are creating uncertainty across Asia at a moment when China is closely watching regional dynamics, and called the approach “cutting off one’s nose to spite one’s face,” warning it risks “real and lasting damage” to U.S.-India trust.
Her remarks reflect growing congressional concern that recent U.S. trade and visa decisions could undermine a partnership many lawmakers view as central to U.S. strategic goals in the Indo-Pacific.
