Strong Bipartisan Support For India–US Ties Despite Trade And Visa Frictions: US Lawmakers

The India–US relationship continues to enjoy strong bipartisan support in the US Congress , even as differences persist between the two governments over trade, tariffs and visa-related issues , US lawmakers said during the Capitol Hill Summit 2026 in Washington on Monday.

Lawmakers from both major political parties said that despite periodic disagreements, the strategic partnership remains stable and steadily expanding , driven by shared geopolitical and democratic interests.

Democratic Congressmen Ro Khanna and Ami Bera said India should take on a greater global leadership role , particularly in addressing conflicts such as the Ukraine war. They said India’s historical ties with Russia place it in a unique position to contribute to diplomatic efforts.

Khanna said India cannot claim global leadership without accepting responsibility, adding that the future of the partnership should be rooted in shared democratic values . He said both countries, as “multiracial democracies,” should deepen cooperation beyond narrow geopolitical interests.

Ami Bera said that while trade and tariff disputes have caused friction , they have not changed the long-term direction of ties. He noted that congressional support for India has remained consistent for decades , across multiple US administrations from Bill Clinton to Joe Biden, reflecting continuity in bilateral engagement.

On the Republican side, Steve Daines described India as one of the US’s most important strategic partners , saying the relationship goes far beyond trade and diplomacy. He said recent tariff-related tensions were unnecessary friction in a critical partnership.

Daines also recalled his visit to India in January, saying concerns over tariffs were directly raised with Indian leadership. He added that these issues were later discussed in a phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump in February.

Congresswoman Deborah Ross said India and the United States share a “foundational commitment to democracy and freedom” , calling the partnership one of the most important globally. She said it is essential for the future of democratic governance and global progress .

Former US Ambassador to India Richard Verma warned that recent tensions over trade and visas have exposed vulnerabilities in the relationship . He noted rising concerns over immigration-related rhetoric and said the system is “flashing a bit yellow,” signalling caution rather than crisis.

The summit was organised by the US–India Friendship Council, which has long worked to strengthen legislative and political support for the bilateral relationship, including earlier efforts that helped build momentum for major India–US agreements.