In Visit To India, Thanedar Says Ties With US Are ‘Strained’’

India-West News Desk

BELAGAVI- U.S. Congressman Shri Thanedar on December 28 said relations between India and the United States are currently “a little bit strained” due to tariffs imposed by Washington on Indian goods.

Speaking during a visit to Karnataka, Thanedar said the trade measures were not helping bilateral ties and stressed the need for greater mutual trust between the two countries, reported ANI

“The relations between India and the U.S. right now are a little bit strained because of the tariff, but those tariffs aren’t helping,” Thanedar said.

“India needs to have more friendship with America, and America needs to have more friendship and trust with India, and that will help a great deal.”

Thanedar attributed the tariff action to U.S. concerns over India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, which Washington has said supports Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine.

The tariffs were first imposed in August 2025 under former U.S. President Donald Trump, beginning with a 25 percent levy on Indian goods. The duty was later increased by another 25 percent, taking the total to 50 percent, citing India’s oil imports from Russia.

During his Karnataka visit, Thanedar also attended the centenary celebrations of his alma mater, Chintaman Rao Government Primary and High School, ANI reported.