Democratic gains in US midterms could reset India trade and strategic ties, says former envoy

Democratic gains in the US midterm elections could reset trade and strategic ties with India, according to former diplomat Vidya Bhushan Soni, who says stronger congressional oversight may check tariff policies and ease visa uncertainties. Soni told ANI that tariffs imposed under President Donald Trump's administration were erratic, and Congress scrutiny could prompt rollbacks or restore rationality. Enhanced oversight may curb abrupt H-1B visa restrictions affecting roughly 300,000 Indian workers and students, benefiting American technology. While Democratic review could delay the proposed India-US Free Trade Agreement over labor and environmental standards, Soni views this as positive, preferring a better deal over a rushed one. He expects renewed focus on Quad cooperation and multilateral diplomacy, benefiting allies like Europe and NATO.