Indian-origin US Congressman Shri Thanedar has said that relations between India and the United States are currently “a little bit strained” due to tariffs imposed by Washington on Indian goods, but stressed that stronger friendship and mutual trust between the two countries are essential to move forward.

Speaking during a personal visit to Karnataka on Sunday, Thanedar attributed the trade tensions largely to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, which the United States believes indirectly supports Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine. He made the remarks while attending the centenary celebrations of his alma mater, Chintaman Rao Government Primary and High School, ANI reported.

“The relations between India and the US 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.”

The tariffs were first imposed in August 2025, when former US President Donald Trump announced a 25 per cent levy on Indian goods. Within days, the tariff was raised by another 25 per cent, taking the total to 50 per cent, with Washington citing India’s ongoing oil purchases from Russia as the key reason for the hike.

The move sparked concern among industry experts and trade analysts, many of whom have argued that higher tariffs could end up hurting American consumers and businesses as much as, or more than, Indian exporters.

Amid these tensions, efforts to stabilise and advance bilateral trade relations have continued. A US trade delegation led by Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer visited India from December 9 to 11 to discuss key trade issues, including negotiations for a mutually beneficial India–US Bilateral Trade Agreement.

During the visit, Switzer held meetings with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, and other senior Indian officials. According to official sources, the discussions were described as “productive,” with both sides agreeing to maintain positive and purposeful engagement to address outstanding trade concerns.

Thanedar’s comments reflect a broader sentiment that while trade disputes have introduced friction into India–US relations, the long-term partnership between the two democracies remains strategically important. He underlined the need for dialogue, cooperation and understanding to ensure that short-term disagreements do not undermine the broader relationship.

During his visit, Thanedar also spoke about his personal connection to Belagavi and recalled his formative years at the government school where he studied, describing the occasion as deeply meaningful.