US Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove criticised President Donald Trump over prolonged trade negotiations and steep 50% tariffs on India, warning they damaged decades of bilateral trust and disrupted the Quad Leaders Summit. She argued the delay weakened strategic cooperation between the two democracies. Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary S. Paul Kapur outlined the Trump administration’s South Asia policy before Congress, emphasising expanded trade, defence cooperation, strategic investments and diplomacy. Kapur described both India and Pakistan as important regional partners, highlighting critical minerals collaboration and counterterrorism efforts. He reiterated the US commitment to a “free and open” South Asia, signalling continuity in Indo-Pacific strategy.