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 an exclusive chat with in Washington, the Democratic lawmaker from North Carolina said she hopes things get back on track soon, especially with trade talks restarting.
“I’m really encouraged that the conversations are opening up again,” Ross shared. She pointed out that for 30 years, India and the US have built solid educational and business links as the world’s two biggest democracies. “We shouldn’t push India toward Russia or China—that’s the last thing we want. As a hopeful person, I believe we can repair this India-US relationship.”
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 said a trade agreement is almost ready, which could boost India-US trade negotiations.
Ross thinks Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent trip to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit was a smart wake-up call. There, Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. “It made a big impact in Washington and pushed us to restart this vital partnership,” she said. “PM Modi showed he has options, even if they’re not the best for anyone.”
On the personal side, Ross hopes advisors around President Trump nudge him back to his earlier positive vibe with Modi. She believes their rapport can help mend things.
Ross has been active on issues affecting Indians in the US. Last July, she led 14 bipartisan lawmakers in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging faster student visa appointments for Indian students. These students pump about $9 billion into the US economy through education. While she hasn’t heard back directly from Rubio, Ross is talking to universities and students to sort out the delays.
She’s also pushing to expand H1B visas as the Trump administration eyes changes. “Businesses want more of these visas,” Ross explained. “The US isn’t producing enough engineers, doctors, or skilled workers for high-tech jobs. No single country owns innovation—we need talent from everywhere.” She called India the perfect partner for this, thanks to its transparent democracy. “We’d rather team up with India than authoritarian countries that steal intellectual property or push their own agendas.”
Back in August 2023, Ross joined a congressional team to India, visiting the Western Naval Command in Mumbai with Representative Ro Khanna to strengthen defense ties. She believes the current trade tensions won’t hurt long-term cooperation. “Talks are resuming, so we can fix this. I hope it doesn’t drag on.”
Looking ahead, Ross announced another bipartisan delegation to India in February. “I want a strong Congress-India bond—that’s why I went before and why I’m going again,” she said.
Finally, addressing attacks on Hindu temples and other worship sites in the US, Ross said some folks are trying to divide communities by blaming others. She’s fighting back by ensuring places of worship get security grants. Plus, she’s defending a federal law that protects them—Republicans want to scrap it because it also covers abortion clinics. “We can’t let that happen,” she stressed firmly.
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