Congresswoman Ross ‘heartened’ by resumption of India-US trade negotiations (IANS Exclusive)
US Congresswoman Deborah Ross is optimistic about fixing the India-US relationship. As co-chair of the Congressional Study Group on India, she’s a big supporter of stronger ties between the two nations. In a recent chat with in Washington, the Democratic representative from North Carolina said she’s encouraged by the reopening of talks, especially as trade negotiations pick up steam.
“I’m really glad the dialogue is back on,” Ross shared. “We’ve had 30 years of solid educational and business links between our two largest democracies. The last thing we want is to push India toward Russia or China. As a hopeful person, I truly believe we can repair this India-US partnership.”
Her comments come right after Sergio Gor, Donald Trump’s pick for US Ambassador to India, called New Delhi a key strategic partner during his Senate hearing. Gor even hinted that a new trade agreement is almost ready, which could ease ongoing India-US trade tensions.
Ross pointed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent trip to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit as a turning point. There, Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. “It was a wake-up call for the US administration,” she said. “It made a big impact in Washington and showed why we need to restart this vital relationship.” She called it a “smart move” by Modi to remind the US that India has other options, even if those aren’t ideal for anyone.
On the personal side, Ross hopes the friendly rapport between PM Modi and President Trump can shine through again. “I wish the people around the president nudge him back to his earlier positive stance,” she added.
Ross has been active on issues affecting Indian students and professionals in the US. Back in July, she led a group of 14 bipartisan lawmakers in writing to Secretary of State Marco Rubio about delays in student visa appointments for Indians. They noted how these students pump $9 billion into the US economy each year. While she hasn’t heard back directly from Rubio, Ross is staying in touch with universities and students to help push things along.
She’s also pushing for more H-1B visas as the Trump administration eyes changes to the system. “Businesses want to expand these visas,” Ross explained. “The US isn’t producing enough skilled workers—like doctors and engineers—for these high-tech jobs. No single country owns innovation, so we need this talent exchange.” She sees India as the perfect partner, thanks to its status as a transparent democracy. “We’d rather team up with you than authoritarian regimes that steal intellectual property or push their own agendas,” she stressed.
Last August, Ross joined a congressional delegation to India, visiting the Western Naval Command in Mumbai with Representative Ro Khanna to boost defense cooperation. She believes the current trade hiccups won’t derail long-term India-US ties. “Talks are resuming, so we can do some repair work. Hopefully, it won’t affect the bigger picture.”
Looking ahead, Ross announced another bipartisan trip to India in February. “I want strong Congress-India links—that’s why I went with Khanna, and why I’ll go again,” she said. She’s visited India before as a state legislator and is committed to keeping the momentum.
On a serious note, Ross addressed the growing attacks on Hindu temples and other worship sites in the US. “Some folks are trying to divide us and blame others for their problems,” she said. She’s fighting back by ensuring places of worship get security grants. Plus, she’s defending a federal law that protects these sites—Republicans have tried to scrap it because it also covers abortion clinics. “We can’t repeal that law,” Ross said firmly. “It’s crucial for everyone’s safety.”
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