Rep. Jackson Calls Trump Tariffs “Trade embargo by Another Name,” Urges Reset in U.S.–India Ties

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jonathan Jackson issued the following statement regarding the deterioration of U.S.-India relations under the Trump administration:

"President Trump's reckless 50 percent tariffs on India are tantamount to a sanction by another name. Instead of strengthening America, these actions have weakened trust, disrupted trade, and pushed India closer to China and Russia. That is a dangerous path and one that hurts our long-term national interests."

"The United States is the world's largest economy and the world's oldest democracy. India is the world's largest democracy and the nation with the world's largest population. Together, our countries are natural partners whose destinies are tied to freedom, democracy, and prosperity."

Jackson highlighted the moral bond between the U.S. civil rights movement and India's independence struggle:

"Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolence inspired the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who in turn inspired movements for justice around the globe. My father, the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, carried forward that same spirit of building bridges and lifting people up. Our nations share a moral connection that cannot be reduced to economics alone."

Jackson also called on the administration to take greater care in its diplomacy.

"The Secretary should choose his words more carefully and be more respectful so we can improve our bilateral relationship. Strong democracies must talk to one another in ways that build trust, not division."

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