Ro Khanna: Trump's Policies 'Destroyed' India-US Ties, Jaishankar Would Agree

Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna has ignited a significant debate regarding the state of India-US relations, asserting that the bilateral ties have deteriorated to their 'lowest point in the last 30 years' under former President Donald Trump. Speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) Leadership Summit in Washington D.C. on June 30, 2026, Khanna made a series of pointed criticisms against Trump's foreign policy decisions. Central to Khanna's argument was the claim that Trump's policies, particularly his approach to the Iran conflict, were 'utterly destructive' and had direct negative consequences for India, including a rise in gas prices. He emphasized the unilateral nature of these actions, stating that the US engaged in war without consulting crucial allies like Europe, Canada, or India, which, according to him, damaged America's global credibility. To underscore his conviction, Khanna famously challenged skeptics, saying, 'Talk to Jaishankar if you don't believe me,' implying that India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, would validate his assessment of the strained relationship. Khanna also cited an unnamed Indian ambassador in China, who reportedly told him that 'a generation of trust has been lost' because of Trump's policies. He further criticized Trump's administration for its economic strategies, including 'irrational tariff disputes,' and for pursuing a foreign policy based on 'might makes right,' which he believes has eroded America's traditional global leadership. However, a review of S. Jaishankar's public statements paints a more nuanced, and often more optimistic, picture of India-US relations. In November 2024, following Trump's re-election, Jaishankar notably stated that India was 'not nervous' about his return, highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ability to build rapport with various US presidents. He acknowledged a global trend towards a more diverse and multipolar world but did not align with Khanna's assessment of a '30-year low.' In January 2025, during a press conference in Washington D.C., Jaishankar explicitly conveyed that the Trump administration was 'keen to have India present at the inaugural itself' and was 'prioritizing the bilateral relationship.' He spoke of a 'very strong degree of trust' and a 'high level of convergence of our interests' between the two nations, suggesting a robust foundation had been built, which the first Trump administration contributed significantly to. More recently, in June 2026, Jaishankar commented on Trump's second term, noting 'significant and noticeable changes' in global politics and economics. He observed that the world had underestimated the 'scale and intensity of the departure from previous American policies' but also pointed out that India, not being an alliance partner, felt less of the security impact compared to NATO countries, though it was affected by tariffs and other issues. He has also articulated India's 'India First' foreign policy, which, while distinct from Trump's 'America First,' still allows for numerous areas of cooperation and strategic partnership. Therefore, while Khanna's statements accurately reflect his strong criticism of Trump's foreign policy and its impact on international relations, his assertion that the India-US relationship is at its 'lowest point in 30 years' appears to be an exaggeration when juxtaposed with Jaishankar's official and public statements. Khanna's implication that Jaishankar would agree with this dire assessment is also not explicitly supported by Jaishankar's remarks, which consistently project confidence in the strategic partnership while acknowledging the complexities and challenges of a changing global landscape. The news report from Hindustan Times accurately reports Khanna's statements and claims. Other credible Indian news outlets, including The Economic Times, The Hindu, Moneycontrol.com, The Pioneer, The Times of India, and India Today, have also corroborated Khanna's statements. The overall context indicates a political statement by a Democrat Congressman, critical of a former Republican president, using India-US ties as a point of contention, while the Indian government maintains a steady diplomatic stance despite varying global dynamics.

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