‘US-India Ties at Lowest Point in 30 Years’: Congressman Ro Khanna Blames Trump’s Iran Policy for Diplomatic Strain
Indian-American Democrat says Washington’s recent foreign policy decisions have damaged ties with New Delhi, urging a renewed bipartisan strategy to rebuild one of America’s most important strategic partnerships.
Indian-American Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna has claimed that relations between the United States and India are at their weakest point in nearly three decades, sharply criticizing President Donald Trump’s foreign policy and arguing that recent decisions have undermined trust between the two strategic partners. His remarks come amid growing debate in Washington over the future direction of US-India relations.
Speaking during a discussion on US foreign policy, Khanna said he had recently visited China, where he held conversations with Indian diplomats and regional officials. According to the Congressman, even India’s representatives expressed concern over the current trajectory of bilateral ties. Referring to India’s External Affairs Minister, he remarked, “Talk to Jaishankar if you don’t believe me,” while arguing that New Delhi has been deeply affected by Washington’s recent policy choices.
Khanna specifically criticized the Trump administration’s approach towards Iran, describing it as “utterly destructive” from India’s perspective. He argued that escalating tensions in West Asia have complicated India’s energy security, disrupted regional connectivity initiatives and narrowed New Delhi’s diplomatic space in one of its most strategically important regions.
The California Democrat also contended that US sanctions and military actions in the region have placed India in a difficult position, forcing it to balance its long-standing relationships with multiple partners while protecting its own economic and security interests. He said these developments have weakened confidence in the stability of the bilateral partnership.
According to Khanna, the United States has historically enjoyed broad bipartisan support for strengthening ties with India, but recent policy decisions have introduced unnecessary friction. He called for restoring strategic dialogue, expanding technology cooperation and reinforcing defence collaboration to rebuild momentum in the relationship.
His comments come at a time when Washington and New Delhi are simultaneously negotiating the final stages of a major bilateral trade agreement while expanding cooperation in defence manufacturing, critical technologies, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and supply-chain resilience. Despite occasional disagreements on global issues, both governments continue to describe each other as key strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific.
The remarks have also sparked political debate within the United States, with Democrats and Republicans offering contrasting assessments of the current state of bilateral relations. While critics argue that policy inconsistencies have strained trust, supporters of the administration maintain that defence cooperation, investment and economic engagement between the two countries remain robust.
Indian government officials have not publicly endorsed Khanna’s characterization that relations are at their “lowest point in 30 years.” New Delhi has consistently emphasized that India and the United States maintain a comprehensive global strategic partnership based on shared democratic values, economic cooperation and expanding defence ties.
Analysts note that the relationship today reflects both growing strategic convergence and periodic policy disagreements. While issues relating to trade, energy, regional security and global conflicts continue to generate debate, both countries have significant long-term incentives to deepen cooperation amid an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.
With negotiations on a landmark trade pact nearing completion and collaboration expanding across technology, defence and clean energy sectors, the coming months are expected to test whether both governments can overcome recent differences and reinforce one of the world’s most consequential strategic partnerships.
