Washington, Oct 11 – Congressman Ami Bera, a California Democrat, urged the U.S. Congress to unite in backing a key partnership with India. He said the India‑U.S. relationship is “hugely important” and a pillar of both the Indo‑Pacific strategy and global economics.
Bera, the Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, said lawmakers from both parties will soon introduce legislation to reaffirm ties with New Delhi. “Congress needs to send a clear message that we see India as a vital ally in the 21st century,” he told .
Earlier, 19 Democrats in the House sent a letter to President Donald Trump asking him to reset the partnership. They urged Trump to review his tariff policy and keep an open dialogue with Indian leaders. No Republican joined the letter.
Bera believes Republicans are hesitant to confront Trump directly. He argues the focus should be on the U.S.–India relationship itself, not on a partisan dispute. “It should be an American thing, not a Democratic or Republican thing,” he said.
During a recent visit to India, Bera noted concerns from Indian officials about Pakistan but stressed that the future belongs to New Delhi. He highlighted U.S. investments flowing into India, not Pakistan, and how joint military activities now center on India.
He called India “the fastest‑growing economy” and said a trade deal that eliminates tariffs would boost business. Bera also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar for navigating a tense period with Trump. “They handled things well and kept the relationship positive,” he added.
Bera was critical of the Trump administration’s lack of a clear India strategy, pointing out the White House’s close ties to Pakistan after a recent terror attack in Pahalgam. He questioned how U.S. policy makers, especially those involved in the H‑1B visa crackdown, understood India’s interests.
The H‑1B decision, signed by Trump in September, imposed a $100,000 application fee and limited visas. Bera called the move a “wrong decision” that will hurt U.S. industry, especially medical schools and hospitals that rely on international talent.
He expressed optimism that U.S. Ambassador‑to‑India Sergio Gor’s confirmation could improve ties. Bera said Gor’s proximity to Trump and his experience in Washington could help bring the importance of the partnership back to the President’s table.
Gor arrived in New Delhi on Friday for a four‑day visit, where he will meet Indian officials on a wide range of bilateral issues.
Bera believes recent U.S. missteps are merely blips and should not derail a relationship that has built over three decades. “Despite a few missteps, we must keep focusing on the importance of the U.S.–India partnership,” he concluded.
Source: ianslive
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