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Key Points

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy remains optimistic about finding common ground between India and the US regarding recent tariffs. He emphasizes the critical importance of the US-India relationship while acknowledging Russia needs pressure over Ukraine. Murphy also addresses visa challenges affecting over 2,000 Indian students awaiting US student visas. He believes current administration measures represent an overcorrection that will likely moderate over time.

Key Points: NJ Governor Phil Murphy Optimistic on India-US Tariff Resolution

  • Murphy supports squeezing Russia as aggressor in Ukraine war
  • Stresses importance of US-India relationship despite current tensions
  • Highlights over 2000 Indian students awaiting US visas
  • Believes new administrations often overcorrect before reverting to mean
3 min read

Optimist that India-US will find common ground: New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy on 50% tariffs

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy expresses optimism about resolving US tariffs on India while supporting pressure on Russia and addressing student visa challenges during Delhi visit.

"I'm an optimist that we'll find some kind of common ground - Phil Murphy"

New Delhi, September 20

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy remained optimistic that India-US will find a common ground over the 50 per cent imposed on New Delhi by Washington, including an additional penalty of 25 per cent for purchasing discounted crude oil from Russia.

Phil Murphy, who is on a visit to India, highlighted the importance of India for New Jersey. However, he agreed that Russia needs to be "squeezed" to bring an end to the Ukraine war.

"The sub-national relationship between New Jersey and India is so important. It's easy to be here when times are good. It's a lot harder to be here when times are a little choppy. By the way, I'm not a tariff guy. I accept Russia is an aggressor nation, and they need to be squeezed, period... I'm an optimist that we'll find some kind of common ground," Phil Murphy.

The Democrat Governor advised that the US should pressurise Russia without "breaking down" the relationship with India, which he referred to as "one of the most important relationships in the world."

"I think there was a lot of pushback. I'm not sure it was just by Democrats. This Democrat is in Delhi right now, and that's not by accident... Russia deserves what's coming at them. But there's gotta be a way where you could do it without breaking down one of the most important relationships in the world for us... I'm not sure the pushback was along partisan lines, but I do think we're in a cooler heads or prevailing mode," Phil Murphy said.

Phil Murphy also spoke about the stringent screening measures taken by the Trump administration before allocating student visas. He noted over 2,000 Indian students awaiting their visas.

"We also need to find a more common ground as it relates to visas, particularly student visas... There are over 2,000 Indian students awaiting their visas. So that's another challenge that we have to work through. I believe we will. That won't be overnight, is my guess," he said.

Murphy mentioned that when a new administration comes in, they take measures to "overcorrect" things and believe that the administration will revert to their decisions.

"When new regimes come in, they often over-correct. They go to an extreme early on, and then they revert to the mean over time. I pray and believe that that will happen here... We have to get the student visa process more ironed out," he said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As an American living in India, I appreciate Governor Murphy's balanced approach. The student visa issue is particularly concerning - these delays affect real lives and dreams.
P
Priya S
Why should Indian students suffer because of political tensions? The visa process needs to be streamlined. Many bright minds are waiting for opportunities that could benefit both countries.
A
Arjun K
India's foreign policy has always been independent. We buy oil from wherever we get the best deal for our people. The US should understand our economic realities rather than punishing us.
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Michael C
While I understand India's position on Russian oil, we cannot ignore that Russia is an aggressor nation. There should be a middle path that addresses security concerns without damaging the India-US relationship.
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Nikhil C
The 50% tariff is excessive and counterproductive. It will only hurt American businesses that rely on Indian imports and Indian consumers. Dialogue and diplomacy are the way forward.
K
Kavya N
Hope both governments find common ground soon. The India-US partnership is too valuable to be damaged by short-term political decisions. Jai Hind! 🙏

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