US House Democrats Move to Block Trump’s 50% Tariffs on Indian Imports

Three Democratic lawmakers in the US House of Representatives have introduced a resolution seeking to block President Donald Trump’s decision to impose steep tariffs on Indian imports, arguing that the move is illegal, economically damaging and harmful to US–India relations.

The joint resolution was introduced on Friday by Representatives Deborah Ross of North Carolina, Marc Veasey of Texas and Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois. It aims to terminate the national emergency declared by Trump in August 2025 under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which was used to justify tariffs of up to 50 per cent on Indian goods.

What are Trump’s tariffs?

Under Trump’s order, Indian imports were first subjected to a 25 per cent tariff from August 1. Days later, the administration imposed an additional 25 per cent “secondary” duty, raising the total levy on many products to 50 per cent.

The White House defended the move by citing India’s continued purchases of Russian oil, arguing that these indirectly support Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine.

Why lawmakers oppose the move

The lawmakers described the tariffs as illegal and warned they would hurt American workers, consumers and long-term strategic ties with India.

“North Carolina’s economy is deeply connected to India through trade, investment and a vibrant Indian American community,” Representative Ross said. She noted that Indian companies have invested more than $1 billion in her state, creating thousands of jobs in sectors such as life sciences and technology, and warned that the tariffs threaten jobs, innovation and competitiveness.

Representative Veasey said India is a vital cultural, economic and strategic partner of the United States. “These illegal tariffs are a tax on everyday North Texans who are already struggling with affordability,” he said.

Indian-American lawmaker Raja Krishnamoorthi called the tariff strategy 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 lifting the tariffs would strengthen economic and security cooperation between Washington and New Delhi.

Growing pushback in Congress

The House resolution follows a recent bipartisan measure passed by the US Senate to end similar emergency-based tariffs imposed on Brazil, signalling growing congressional resistance to the president’s use of emergency powers to unilaterally reshape trade policy.

What’s next

The move is part of a broader effort by congressional Democrats to reclaim Congress’s constitutional authority over trade and reset strained relations with India.

In October, Ross, Veasey and Krishnamoorthi, along with Representative Ro Khanna and 19 other lawmakers, urged Trump to reverse his tariff policies and repair ties with New Delhi.

If passed, the resolution would formally end the national emergency declared on August 6, 2025, and roll back the additional duties imposed on Indian imports.