Ro Khanna says Trump hit India with tariffs after PM Modi rejected Nobel Peace Prize endorsement

Indian-origin Democrat leader Ro Khanna has sharply criticised US President Donald Trump for imposing steep tariffs on India, calling them “harsher than those on China.”

In a series of tweets, Khanna said Trump was putting at risk three decades of bipartisan efforts to strengthen the US-India partnership. He suggested the tariffs were driven by Trump’s anger that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not nominate him for a Nobel Peace Prize.

“Trump is destroying 30 years of bipartisan work to build the US-India strategic partnership because Modi refuses to nominate him for a Nobel Peace Prize. He imposed higher tariffs of 50% on India than China,” Khanna wrote.

Trump is destroying 30 years of bipartisan work to build the US-India strategic partnership because Modi refuses to nominate him for a Nobel Peace Prize. He imposed higher tariffs of 50% on India than China. Which Indian Americans who voted for Trump are speaking out? https://t.co/KdBYIUWDMopic.twitter.com/GNG8aiNOH5

— Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) September 2, 2025

A New York Times report recently mentioned that Trump had asked Modi to nominate him for the Nobel after claiming credit for easing tensions during a military standoff between India and Pakistan. According to the report, Modi turned down the request and said the ceasefire had “nothing to do” with US mediation.

Khanna also appealed to Indian Americans who had supported Trump instead of Vice President Kamala Harris in the last election to speak out.

“I am waiting for all those Indian Americans who voted for Trump over Harris, you know who you are, to speak out against Trump sabotaging the partnership with blanket tariffs that are harsher than those on China. Anyone willing to speak up?” he said.

Before Khanna’s remarks, former UN ambassador Nikki Haley, also of Indian origin, said Trump might have some grounds to act because of India’s continued purchases of Russian oil. But she added that he should remember “India is not an adversary like China.”

Indian-American billionaire and venture capitalist Vinod Khosla also criticised Trump.

“I did not vote for Trump but this is only about his ego and wanting Modi to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize (which Pakistan has). If he ever wins the Nobel, I will stop caring about who wins the Nobel. It will be desecrated, dirtbag medal!” Khosla tweeted.