‘India is important’: 3 US lawmakers introduce resolution to end Trump's 50% “illegal” tariffs on the country

Three Democratic lawmakers in the US House of Representatives have introduced a resolution to block President Donald Trump's decision to impose steep tariffs on Indian imports. They have sought to terminate the national emergency used to justify duties of up to 50 per cent.

New  resolution to block Trump's 50% tariff on India

The joint resolution was instigated on Friday by Representatives Deborah Ross of North Carolina, Marc Veasey of Texas and Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois, after a bipartisan Senate effort to roll back comparable tariffs on Brazil and limit the President's authority to impose import duties under emergency powers, ANI reported.

It aims to end the national emergency declared by the US President in August 2025 under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which enabled the administration to raise tariffs on Indian imports sharply.

Under Trump’s order, Indian products were first hit with a 25 per cent tariff from August 1, followed days later by an additional 25 per cent “secondary” duty, taking the total levy on many items to 50 per cent.

The Trump administration had justified the move by citing India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, arguing that it indirectly supported Moscow’s war efforts in Ukraine.

Calling the tariffs “illegal” and economically damaging, the three House US lawmakers said the measures hurt American workers, consumers and long-term US-India relations.

“North Carolina’s economy is deeply connected to India through trade, investment, and a vibrant Indian American community,” Congresswoman Ross said, noting that Indian companies have invested over $1 billion in her state and created thousands of jobs, particularly in the fields of life sciences and technology.

She warned that the tariffs have put jobs, innovation and competitiveness at risk.

Congressman Veasey said, “These illegal tariffs are a tax on everyday North Texans who are already struggling with affordability at every level,” he said.

Indian-American lawmaker Raja Krishnamoorthi described Trump’s tariff strategy as counterproductive. “Instead of advancing American interests or security, these duties disrupt supply chains, harm American workers, and drive up costs for consumers,” he said, adding that ending the tariffs would help strengthen economic and security cooperation between Washington and New Delhi.

“India is an important cultural, economic, and strategic partner, and these illegal tariffs are a tax on everyday North Texans who are already struggling with rising costs,” Congressman Veasey added.

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