Photo:@IN_WNC
India-West News Desk
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Ami Bera, who recently led a Congressional delegation to India, has warned that key U.S. policy decisions on India and Pakistan are being made by a very small group in the White House without consultation with Congress. In an interview with The Print, Bera said only “a small handful of people” are driving major policies and described it as “just one rogue individual with a handful of advisers making rash statements.”
Bera, a Democrat who has served 14 years in Congress, told The Print that the Indian diaspora, which has largely been silent, needs to speak up. He emphasized that his Republican colleagues also need to raise their voices on Trump administration policies that could derail the long-cultivated U.S.-India relationship.
He highlighted two recent policy decisions: a 50 percent tariff on Indian exports and a $100,000 H-1B visa application fee. “These policies are being created without consultation with Congress or industry,” Bera told The Print. He stressed that while the measures may hurt American companies and consumers, they could also provide India an opportunity to demonstrate resilience.
On U.S.-Pakistan relations, Bera said the president is acting alone and questioned the likelihood of major U.S. investments or military cooperation with Pakistan under current policies. He told The Print that many Republican lawmakers share his concerns and are “in shock” over the administration’s unilateral approach.
During his visit, Bera met government officials, industry leaders, and visited the Western Naval Command in Mumbai amid strained ties.