US tariffs imposed on India in 2025 led to a “crisis of trust” between the two nations and slowed down progress in the Quad partnership, as per a report by Democratic members of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The report highlights that the steep tariffs introduced during the Trump administration strained relations with India, a key strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region.
The standoff, lasting six months, was fueled by tensions over India’s Russian oil imports and Washington’s role in mediating the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict. This dispute bolstered political factions in India that historically opposed closer strategic ties with the US.
The repercussions extended to the Quad grouping involving the US, India, Japan, and Australia. The report mentions that the dispute disrupted the Quad’s momentum and led to the postponement of a planned US–India Leaders’ Summit. This diplomatic setback allowed China and Russia to enhance their engagement with India.
The report underscores how the tensions influenced geopolitical dynamics in Asia, with Chinese and Russian leaders meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during this period. It emphasizes the significance of maintaining strong partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly with India, to counterbalance China’s increasing influence.
The Senate report cautions against inconsistent policies towards allies, which could undermine the US strategy in the region. It notes that China capitalized on these tensions to expand military activities in the Taiwan Strait and boost economic influence across the region. The findings coincide with efforts by the US and India to strengthen defense cooperation and technology partnerships while managing trade and Russia policy differences.
