'Don't Believe Me? Ask Jaishankar': Ro Khanna Claims Trump Disrupted India-US Ties

Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna has claimed that former US President Donald Trump disrupted the momentum of India-US relations during his presidency, asserting that the impact was evident despite the public warmth displayed between the two leaders.

Speaking during a public interaction, Khanna defended his assessment by saying those who disagreed with him should "ask Jaishankar," referring to India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

"Don't believe me? Ask Jaishankar."

The remarks have reignited discussions over the trajectory of India-US relations under successive US administrations and drawn attention on both sides of the political spectrum.

Khanna's Remarks

Khanna argued that while Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a cordial personal rapport, several policy decisions taken during Trump's presidency strained aspects of the bilateral relationship.

He cited trade disputes, tariff disagreements and differences over immigration policies as examples of issues that affected ties between New Delhi and Washington.

According to Khanna, these developments interrupted the broader momentum that had been building in the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Reference to Jaishankar

The Democratic Congressman invoked External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar while defending his position, suggesting that India's top diplomat would acknowledge the challenges that emerged during the Trump administration.

Khanna's comments came amid an ongoing political exchange over the state of India-US relations and the role of successive American administrations in shaping the partnership.

The Ministry of External Affairs has not publicly responded to Khanna's latest remarks.

India-US Ties Continue to Expand

Despite periodic disagreements over trade and policy, India and the United States have significantly deepened cooperation in recent years.

The two countries have expanded collaboration across defence, technology, semiconductors, clean energy, critical minerals and the Indo-Pacific, with both governments describing the relationship as a comprehensive global strategic partnership.

Successive administrations in both countries have emphasised that the bilateral partnership enjoys broad bipartisan support.

Political Debate Continues

Khanna's remarks have generated discussion among political observers, particularly as the United States heads toward another election cycle where foreign policy and international alliances remain key issues.

Supporters of Trump have argued that his administration strengthened strategic cooperation with India, pointing to defence agreements and high-profile diplomatic engagements.

Khanna, however, has maintained that policy differences during the Trump years created avoidable friction in the relationship.

The latest comments come amid renewed debate over the evolution of India-US ties, with analysts noting that the partnership has continued to grow despite changes in political leadership in both countries.