USIndiaTrade – Bipartisan Lawmakers Praise New Agreement as Reset for Strategic Ties

USIndiaTrade –  Lawmakers in Washington from both major political parties have welcomed a newly announced trade agreement between the United States and India, describing it as a meaningful reset in relations between the world’s two largest democracies. The deal is being viewed as a step that strengthens commercial ties while also reinforcing cooperation on energy security and broader geopolitical priorities.

Lawmakers See Turning Point After Strained Period

Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said the agreement reflects a clear shift following a challenging phase in bilateral relations. He noted that recent years had tested the partnership, but the new framework signals renewed momentum. According to him, the deal reinforces the importance of India as one of America’s most significant global partners and demonstrates a shared commitment to rebuilding trust through economic engagement.

Krishnamoorthi emphasized that deeper trade links are expected to generate tangible benefits on both sides. He said stronger commercial ties with India would support employment, encourage business growth, and promote innovation across industries in both countries. He also pointed out that cooperation between two democratic systems carries added strategic value in the current global environment.

Moving Beyond the Impact of Tariffs

Reflecting on past tensions, Krishnamoorthi said earlier tariff measures had placed unnecessary pressure on the relationship and negatively affected both economies. In his view, the new agreement allows Washington and New Delhi to move beyond that chapter and focus on long-term collaboration rather than short-term disputes. He described the deal as an opportunity to reset priorities and rebuild confidence between the two governments.

Senate Leaders Highlight Economic Gains

US Senator Steve Daines also welcomed the agreement, calling it a clear positive outcome for all involved. He credited leadership on both sides for pushing the deal forward and said it represented progress toward a more balanced and productive trade relationship.

Daines underscored the importance of India’s growing economy, noting that it now ranks among the largest in the world. He said improved access to the Indian market could deliver meaningful gains for the US economy, including for American farmers and exporters seeking new opportunities abroad. However, he acknowledged that additional work would still be required to address existing trade imbalances.

Energy Cooperation Sends Global Message

Beyond trade, Daines highlighted the agreement’s energy dimension. He pointed to India’s decision to purchase oil from the United States rather than Russia as a move with global implications. According to him, this shift sends a strong signal about responsible energy partnerships and reflects closer alignment between Washington and New Delhi on key international issues.

Strategic Value Beyond Commerce

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch described the agreement as a significant achievement, praising the efforts that led to its completion. He welcomed India’s steps to lower trade barriers and reiterated that India remains a close partner of the United States, supported by strong people-to-people ties and a large diaspora presence.

Risch also stressed the broader strategic impact of the deal. He said commitments to increase purchases from American suppliers could help reduce reliance on Russian energy exports, a move he linked to efforts to counter Moscow’s actions and support attempts to bring the war in Ukraine to an end.

Pressure Builds on Russian Energy Revenues

Senator Lindsey Graham echoed those views, connecting the agreement to increasing pressure on Russia. He said encouraging major energy customers to reconsider their sourcing decisions was beginning to have an effect. Graham added that India had earned the benefits included in the agreement and suggested that other nations still buying Russian energy should consider following a similar path.

A Broader Push for Alignment

The trade agreement comes as the United States and India continue to deepen cooperation across multiple fronts, including trade, energy, and security in the Indo-Pacific region. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle see the deal as part of a wider effort to align policies and strengthen a partnership that is expected to play an increasingly important role in global affairs.