Washington, January 23 – In a stark assessment, prominent Indian-American leader Jasdeep Singh Jassie has declared that India-US relations have plummeted to their lowest point in nearly two decades during President Donald Trump’s second term. Jassie, founder of Sikhs for America and Sikhs for Trump, made these remarks amid ongoing tensions and trade negotiations between the two nations.
Recent high-level talks had fueled optimism for a breakthrough in trade discussions. However, Jassie painted a grim picture, stating that despite these efforts, bilateral ties are at a historic nadir. ‘We all hoped India-US relations would strengthen this year, but unfortunately, this relationship is in very serious condition. I haven’t seen it this low in almost 20 years,’ he said in an exclusive interview.
Paradoxically, Jassie showered praise on Trump’s administration for its swift fulfillment of campaign promises. ‘President Trump’s first year has been phenomenal. I think he’s accomplished more than any other president in history. What others do in 10 years, he’s done in one,’ he asserted.
Highlighting immigration enforcement, Jassie hailed Trump’s border security measures as a major success. ‘He promised to stop illegal immigration and seal the border, and he’s done it. We now have zero border crossings in America, compared to 10,000 daily under Biden,’ he noted.
On crime, Jassie commended the deployment of National Guard forces in major cities. ‘He promised to curb crime, and he has. Crime records in cities like Baltimore are hitting historic lows,’ he added.
Economically, Jassie pointed to a 35% reduction in the US trade deficit, the largest on record, alongside 680,000 new private sector jobs created in one year. Inflation has eased, with grocery prices at three-year lows and gas prices plummeting around Thanksgiving.
He also mentioned tariff revenues enabling $2,000 checks for Americans earning under $75,000 annually or married couples under $150,000. For Indian-Americans, Jassie said naturalized citizens, permanent residents, and their US-born children are benefiting equally. ‘As America grows stronger and businesses thrive, Indian-Americans will flourish too.’
Yet, the shadow of strained India-US relations looms large, raising questions about the future of this critical partnership under Trump’s leadership.