Trump messed up India-US ties BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 13: U.S. President Donald Trump smiles from the field before the 126th America’s Game between the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen at M&T Bank Stadium on December 13, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. The teams are competing for the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, with President Trump attending the rivalry for the second consecutive year. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Indian-American Congressman Suhas Subramanyam has sharply criticised former US President Donald Trump, stating that he has “completely messed up” the relationship between India and the United States, causing damage to both nations’ economic and strategic interests.
Trump messed up India-US ties
Speaking in an interview, Subramanyam said the current state of ties marks a significant shift from Trump’s first term, during which relations between Washington and New Delhi had improved under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He argued that personal differences and policy decisions have now weakened what was once a strong partnership.
According to the congressman, strained relations with India could reduce US influence in Asia, especially at a time when Washington views New Delhi as a crucial long-term partner. He stressed that cutting or weakening ties with India does not make strategic sense for the United States.
Subramanyam also highlighted India’s importance as a natural ally in countering China’s growing influence, pointing to opportunities for deeper cooperation in defence, technology, and economic partnerships. He noted that shifting global supply chains away from China could benefit both countries, with India playing a key role.
However, he said tariffs imposed by the Trump administration have harmed this potential, making economic collaboration more difficult. Despite bipartisan support for India within the US Congress, Subramanyam warned that executive-level decisions have slowed progress.
Looking ahead, he said lawmakers would need to work actively to repair relationships that have been damaged, including rebuilding trust with India, which remains central to US strategy in the Indo-Pacific region.
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