Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has urged the United States to end its escalating tariff war with India, warning that the growing trade tensions could damage a strategic partnership that is critical not just for both countries, but for regional and global stability.

Writing in The Indian Express, Tharoor cautioned that Washington’s approach risks weakening the Quad alliance, destabilising security in the Indo-Pacific, and pushing India closer to rival powers like China and Russia. He also took direct aim at President Donald Trump, saying, "India is not just a trading partner — it is a pivotal player in the Indo-Pacific. Alienating New Delhi risks weakening the Quad, whose summit India is supposed to host later this year."

The tensions stem from the U.S. imposing steep tariffs on Indian goods — a 50% rate in some cases, including an additional 25% penalty tied to India’s continued imports of Russian crude oil. Tharoor called this move “shortsighted and counterproductive,” arguing that punishing India for decisions made in its own national interest is no way to treat a strategic ally.

He also drew historical parallels, warning of a future "Who lost India?" debate in Washington, similar to the Cold War-era blame game over China.

In his column, Tharoor laid out four key recommendations:

1. End the punitive tariffs — especially on labour-intensive Indian sectors already struggling under a 25% rate and now threatened by an even higher 50% duty.

2. Accelerate free trade talks, giving India meaningful access to alternative markets and placing it on equal footing with other Asian economies that enjoy lower tariff rates (15–19%).

3. Revive high-level diplomacy, suggesting that direct outreach from Trump to Prime Minister Narendra Modi could help rebuild trust.

4. Strengthen cooperation in defence and technology, which he said would bolster mutual respect and shared interests.

Speaking earlier to Al Arabiya English, Tharoor described the tariffs as “absolutely stinging” and “completely unjustified,” adding that India, with its colonial past, won’t tolerate external powers dictating its policies.

He pointed out that the economic impact is already being felt — factories are cutting jobs, and businesses are turning to alternative investors and markets. Tharoor highlighted this shift as one of the motivations behind Prime Minister Modi’s presence at the recent SCO Summit in Tianjin, China.

"India values its sovereignty. Strategic autonomy is not defiance — it’s a right," Tharoor wrote, urging the U.S. to rethink its approach before long-term damage is done.