After US Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna invoked Indian diplomat while criticising Trump’s policies at the Summit in Washington, former Indian Ambassador to China Pradeep Rawat objected to his remarks, saying it was inappropriate to bring his name into a domestic political debate.
“I was in China, and the Indian Ambassador there told me that a generation of trust has been lost by President Trump. If we don’t speak the truth about the damage this President has done…we are not living in reality,” Democrat Congressman Ro Khanna told the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum Leadership Summit in Washington, DC.
The US-India relationship has fallen to its lowest point in three decades because of President Donald Trump’s foreign policy choices. US policy decisions have led to economic concerns in India, he said, pointing out that Washington’s approach towards Iran had contributed to higher energy pressures. The impact of such policies could be seen in rising fuel prices in India.
“The demagoguery about immigrants… and the demonisation of talent coming to the United States” was a concern, Khanna said, questioning policies affecting student visas and the entry of skilled migrants.
He warned that the US risks losing its competitive edge by discouraging skilled professionals from coming to the country.
Washington’s handling of issues related to Iran, trade disputes and broader foreign policy had weakened America’s credibility among strategic partners, including India. He argued that decisions taken without adequate consultation with allies had affected confidence in the US as a reliable partner.
Calling the actions of Trump “a destructive force” around the world, he pointed how Trump’s foreign policies have “eroded trust” and damaged relations with Europe, Canada, and Mexico. He asked for “new leadership” in order for America to gain respect again.
“Who cares about the partnerships of this and that when this President is literally destroying America’s leadership in the entire world,” he said.
He further criticised ongoing tariff tensions, calling the disputes damaging for long-term strategic cooperation.
Calling Trump a “lame duck”, he told expressed confidence that the Democratic Party would regain political ground, arguing that public dissatisfaction with the administration’s policies could create an opportunity for Democrats to rebuild support ahead of future elections.
(With inputs from agencies)
