India-US Trade Deal Faces Turmoil as Leaked Audio Exposes Rift in Trump’s Party

New Delhi: The ongoing trade tensions between India and the United States have sparked a political storm in Washington, following the leak of an audio recording involving a prominent U.S. Senator. The recording has raised questions about whether President Donald Trump and his close aides are intentionally slowing down the India-US trade agreement.

Senator Ted Cruz’s Allegations
According to reports, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas reportedly mentioned White House Trade Advisor Peter Navarro and Vice President J.D. Vance in the leaked conversation. Cruz claimed that Trump himself was obstructing progress on the trade deal with India. In a call with donors, Cruz said he and several other Republican Senators were actively lobbying the White House to advance the agreement, highlighting internal disagreements within the Republican Party over trade policies.

Tariff War Escalates Concerns
The leak comes amid growing U.S. tariffs on India. Last year, Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian exports linked to oil trade with Russia, taking total tariffs to 50%. Cruz warned that such tariffs could increase domestic prices and harm Americans’ retirement savings, potentially affecting the Republican Party’s performance in the 2026 midterm elections.

Cruz: A Strong Advocate for India
Senator Cruz, a former Republican presidential candidate and a strong supporter of closer India-US ties, has emphasized India’s role as a key partner in countering China’s influence. During his 2019 visit to India, Cruz praised the robust relationship between the two countries and underscored shared values like human rights, free markets, and fair trade.

Implications for the Trade Deal
The leaked audio underscores the political complexities within the U.S. administration that could affect the India-US trade negotiations. With influential Republican voices like Cruz advocating for the deal and internal opposition from Trump’s inner circle, the outcome remains uncertain. Businesses and investors in both countries are closely watching the developments, as the deal is not just an economic matter but also a test of U.S. domestic politics and global strategy.