The resolution seeks to end the national emergency President Donald Trump invoked under the International Emergency Economics Powers Act to levy sweeping tariffs on Indian goods. The measure would also rescind the additional 25 percent “secondary” duties that took effect on August 27 on top of earlier reciprocal tariffs, pushing total duties on many Indian-origin products to as high as 50 percent.
According to the sponsors, the move is aimed at restoring Congress’s constitutional authority over trade and curbing what they described as the misuse of emergency powers to unilaterally raise import duties.
The resolution also follows a bipartisan Senate-passed measure to end Trump’s tariffs on Brazil, which lawmakers said reflects growing congressional pushback against such actions.
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‘Irresponsible strategy; weakens critical partnership’
“President Trump’s irresponsible tariff strategy toward India is a counterproductive approach that weakens a critical partnership,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “Instead of advancing American interests or security, these duties disrupt supply chains, harm American workers, and drive up costs for consumers. Ending these damaging tariffs will allow the United States to engage with India to advance our shared economic and security needs.”
Meanwhile, Congresswoman Ross said the tariffs threatened jobs and investment in her home state, underscoring North Carolina’s economic links with India.
“North Carolina’s economy is deeply connected to India through trade, investment, and a vibrant Indian American community,” Ross said. “Indian companies have invested over a billion dollars and created thousands of good-paying jobs in our state – especially in the Research Triangle’s life sciences and technology sectors. Meanwhile, North Carolina manufacturers export hundreds of millions of dollars in goods to India each year, including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and advanced machinery. When Trump destabilizes this relationship with illegal tariffs, he puts North Carolina jobs, innovation, and our long-term competitiveness at risk.”
Congressman Veasey framed the issue as a cost-of-living concern for his constituents, calling India “an important cultural, economic, and strategic partner” and saying “these illegal tariffs are a tax on everyday North Texans who are already struggling with affordability at every level.”
The three lawmakers have been among the leading congressional critics of Trump’s tariff agenda and have repeatedly called for a reset in U.S.–India relations. In October, they joined Congressman Ro Khanna and 19 other members of Congress in urging Trump to repair strained ties with India and reverse what they described as harmful tariff policies.
Ending Trump’s India tariffs, the statement said, forms part of a broader Democratic effort to reclaim Congress’s role in setting trade policy and to prevent presidents from using emergency powers to impose unilateral and, in their view, misguided trade measures.
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Trump Tariffs on India
Indian exporters have been hit by one of the sharpest trade shocks in recent years after the United States formally imposed an additional 25 percent tariff on August 27, on top of an existing 25 percent duty. Together, the measures raised total US levies on several Indian goods to 50 percent.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the tariffs apply to products “entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 am EDT on August 27, 2025” (9:31 am IST).
The Trump administration linked the move to India’s continued purchases of Russian oil and defence equipment.
White House trade adviser Peter Navarro and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused India of indirectly financing Russia’s war in Ukraine through its energy imports. Bessent said earlier this month that India now sources 42 percent of its oil from Russia, compared to under 1 percent before the conflict.
Exports and jobs under pressure
India exports about $86.5 billion worth of goods to the US annually, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative. Of this, roughly $60.2 billion, nearly two-thirds, now face the 50 percent tariff. Another $3.4 billion in auto parts remains subject to the earlier 25 percent duty, while $27.6 billion, largely pharmaceuticals, electronics and petroleum products, is exempt.
Labour-intensive sectors including textiles, apparel, gems and jewellery, seafood and leather are considered most vulnerable, while metals such as aluminium, steel and copper continue to attract the 25 percent duty.
Ajay Srivastava, founder of GTRI, warned that exports in the affected sectors could plunge by 70 percent, dropping from $60.2 billion to $18.6 billion. Overall shipments to the US could fall by 43 percent, putting hundreds of thousands of jobs in major export hubs at risk.
Economists estimate the tariffs could shave 0.4 to 0.5 percent off India’s GDP growth in FY26, with knock-on effects for private investment, employment and domestic manufacturing.