Washington: US Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove on Wednesday sharply criticized former President Donald Trump’s policies towards India, describing them as “cutting off the nose to spite the face” and warning that such an approach carries a strategic and economic cost. Speaking at a hearing of the House Foreign Affairs South and Central Asia Subcommittee, Kamlager-Dove cited the well-known car selfie of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin as a visual testament to the potential consequences of coercive policies.

The representative emphasized that aggressive measures targeting strategic partners can backfire, arguing that Trump’s policies have strained the US-India relationship at a time when cooperation between the two countries is essential for global security and economic prosperity. “Being a coercive partner has a cost. And this poster is worth a thousand words. You do not get a Nobel Peace Prize by driving US strategic partners into the arms of our adversaries,” Kamlager-Dove said, as reported by ANI.

She further called for urgent action to repair the bilateral relationship, urging policymakers to restore the cooperation that underpins US prosperity, security, and global leadership. Her remarks come amid a period of heightened trade and diplomatic tensions between Washington and New Delhi.

Trade Tensions Escalate Amid Rice Tariff Threats

The US-India trade relationship has faced additional strain following comments by Trump regarding India’s rice exports. On Tuesday, Trump warned that new tariffs could be imposed on Indian rice, accusing New Delhi of “dumping” cheap rice into the American market, which he claimed was harming US farmers. These statements coincided with the announcement of a $12 billion aid package for US agricultural producers, aimed at mitigating the impact of low-cost foreign imports.

Rice industry stakeholders, including mill owner Meryl Kennedy, have argued that imports from India, Vietnam, and Thailand have been driving down domestic prices. In response, Trump questioned why additional duties had not already been implemented on India and indicated that fresh tariffs could be considered. This development comes amid ongoing negotiations led by a US trade delegation visiting India on December 10-11, which have so far struggled to deliver substantial progress due to disagreements over market access, tariff measures, and other trade-related issues.

Earlier in August 2025, the US had imposed tariffs of up to 50 percent on a range of Indian goods amid broader trade disputes and concerns over India’s continued purchases of Russian oil. Trump’s recent statements and the looming threat of additional tariffs have intensified uncertainty in the bilateral economic relationship, adding pressure to already difficult trade negotiations.

The Modi-Putin Car Selfie as a Symbol

During her testimony, Kamlager-Dove referred specifically to the iconic car selfie taken by Modi and Putin, describing it as “speaking a thousand words.” She implied that symbolic gestures and visible cooperation between India and Russia underscore the risk of alienating key partners through unilateral coercive measures. The image, she argued, serves as a reminder of how strategic partners may seek alternative alliances when pressured or antagonized, with potential implications for US foreign policy and geopolitical influence in South Asia.

Her critique frames Trump’s India policies as short-sighted, suggesting that coercive tactics can undermine long-term strategic goals. By pointing to the Modi-Putin visual, Kamlager-Dove highlighted the broader geopolitical implications of US policy decisions, particularly in a context where India seeks to balance relations with multiple global powers, including Russia and the United States.

US-India Strategic and Economic Stakes

Kamlager-Dove’s remarks underscore a growing recognition among US policymakers that maintaining a strong US-India partnership is critical. Both countries share interests in security, counterterrorism, technology, and regional stability, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Strained economic relations, exacerbated by tariff threats and trade disputes, risk spilling over into strategic cooperation, potentially diminishing US influence in South Asia.

Experts note that India’s recent diplomatic engagements with Russia and ongoing domestic policy decisions have tested the limits of US leverage. Kamlager-Dove’s testimony suggests a bipartisan awareness in Congress that punitive trade measures or confrontational diplomacy may not yield the desired outcomes and could instead push India toward alternative partnerships, thereby complicating US foreign policy objectives.

Call for Restoration of Cooperation

Throughout her testimony, the US representative emphasized the need for “incredible urgency” in repairing the bilateral relationship. She called on policymakers to move beyond punitive measures and engage constructively with India to rebuild trust and mutual confidence. By framing the issue in both economic and geopolitical terms, Kamlager-Dove highlighted the multi-dimensional consequences of trade friction and coercive diplomacy.

Observers note that her warnings may influence ongoing deliberations in Congress and the administration on trade policy and strategic engagement with India. The testimony suggests that a more nuanced approach, combining negotiation, incentives, and strategic partnership, may better serve US interests than unilateral measures such as tariffs or threats.

Conclusion

Sydney Kamlager-Dove’s statements at the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee hearing serve as a cautionary note on the repercussions of coercive US policies toward strategic partners like India. Using the widely circulated Modi-Putin car selfie as a metaphor, she illustrated how aggressive policies can drive partners toward adversaries, thereby undermining US influence and strategic objectives.

As trade tensions escalate, particularly with the prospect of additional tariffs on rice and other goods, her testimony signals a call for recalibration. It underscores the importance of diplomacy, negotiation, and constructive engagement to preserve and strengthen the US-India relationship, which remains vital for economic, security, and geopolitical interests in the region.

The testimony also reflects broader concerns in Washington about the long-term cost of confrontational policies, emphasizing that punitive measures must be balanced with incentives and dialogue to maintain robust strategic partnerships in a rapidly evolving global landscape.