US-India Relations – Ro Khanna Says Bilateral Ties Face Their Toughest Test in Decades
US-India Relations – Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna has voiced strong criticism of the current US administration, arguing that relations between India and the United States have slipped to their weakest level in nearly 30 years. Speaking at the IX USISPF Leadership Summit 2026 in Washington, DC, Khanna said recent foreign policy decisions have damaged Washington’s standing with key international partners and created new challenges for countries such as India.
Criticism of Foreign Policy Decisions
During his address, Khanna said the administration’s approach to Iran had weakened global stability and carried economic consequences beyond the United States. He argued that the conflict had contributed to rising energy costs in India, placing additional pressure on consumers. According to Khanna, the decision to pursue military action without broad consultations with long-standing allies, including European nations, Canada and India, reduced international confidence in the United States and affected its diplomatic credibility.
Khanna maintained that major geopolitical decisions should involve close coordination with trusted partners rather than unilateral action. He said such an approach is essential for preserving long-term strategic relationships and maintaining global trust.
Concerns Over Trade and International Trust
The congressman also questioned the administration’s trade policies, describing the ongoing tariff disputes as lacking strategic direction. He said that during a recent visit to China, he was told by India’s ambassador that confidence built over many years between India and the United States had suffered because of recent policy choices.
Khanna argued that acknowledging the impact of these developments is necessary for rebuilding international partnerships. He said ignoring the consequences of current policies would make it more difficult for future leaders to restore America’s global reputation.
Rebuilding Global Partnerships
Looking ahead, Khanna said younger generations would inherit the responsibility of strengthening both domestic institutions and international alliances. He stressed that repairing relationships with allies would require consistent diplomacy and renewed commitment to cooperation.
To explain his viewpoint, Khanna compared former President Franklin D. Roosevelt with President Donald Trump. He praised Roosevelt’s support for self-determination and highlighted his historical connection with India’s freedom movement through leaders such as Amarnath Vidyalankar and Lala Lajpat Rai. According to Khanna, Roosevelt’s approach reflected a stronger commitment to international partnership and democratic values.
Different View Emerges at Leadership Summit
Khanna’s remarks came alongside a more optimistic assessment presented at the same summit by USISPF Honorary Senior Advisor Al Mason. Offering a contrasting perspective, Mason said India-US relations have regained significant momentum in recent months and pointed to renewed engagement between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Mason acknowledged that the relationship between the two leaders had experienced a difficult period because of trade issues, domestic political priorities, bureaucratic hurdles and extensive public debate. However, he said recent diplomatic efforts had helped restore communication and strengthen bilateral engagement.
Role of Sergio Gor in Renewed Engagement
Mason credited US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor with playing an important role in rebuilding dialogue between Washington and New Delhi. According to him, Gor helped re-establish direct communication between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi during a period when bilateral relations were facing uncertainty.
He said Gor conveyed three central messages to the Indian leadership: that President Trump respects India’s growing global influence, values Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, and supports a stronger partnership between the two countries. Mason said these efforts have contributed to a fresh phase of engagement aimed at reinforcing cooperation across strategic and economic sectors.