California, Los Angeles, USA: Two former U.S. Ambassadors to India, Richard Verma and Eric Garcetti, criticized President Donald Trump for inviting Pakistan’s Army Chief to the White House.

They said the move damaged trust with India and reversed nearly 25 years of progress in U.S.–India relations.

Verma recalled that since Bill Clinton’s 2000 visit, Washington followed a policy of separating India and Pakistan relations (“de-hyphenation”). The White House meeting undermined that.

Both warned India may move closer to Russia and China if Washington falters.

Garcetti said this decision threatens rare bipartisan unity on India policy and could cause long-term damage.

Rep. Ro Khanna (California) and community leaders also expressed concern, citing Trump’s tariffs on India and urging stronger diaspora lobbying.

The meeting noted growing anti-Indian rhetoric among Trump supporters, which raised alarm.

Action items included: pushing Congress to reduce tariffs, organizing bipartisan delegations to India, and highlighting Indian American contributions.

Closing the session, Khanna warned that Trump’s actions risk undoing 30 years of U.S.–India progress.