Republican leader Nikki Haley has stressed that the United States needs India to counter China, while urging New Delhi to take US President Donald Trump’s concerns over Russian oil seriously. Her statement comes amid heightened tensions over Trump’s tariffs on Indian goods and India’s ongoing purchase of Russian crude, as the Ukraine war continues. Haley emphasized that decades of friendship and goodwill between the world’s two largest democracies provide a strong basis to move past the current turbulence, while also calling for immediate dialogue between Washington and New Delhi.
Haley Calls for Dialogue on Russian Oil
Haley, a former US ambassador to the United Nations and a Republican presidential candidate, wrote on X that “India must take Trump’s point over Russian oil seriously, and work with the White House to find a solution. The sooner the better. Decades of friendship and goodwill between the world’s two largest democracies provide a solid basis to move past the current turbulence”.
India must take Trump’s point over Russian oil seriously, and work with the White House to find a solution. The sooner the better.
Decades of friendship and good will between the world’s two largest democracies provide a solid basis to move past the current turbulence.…
— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) August 23, 2025
Haley highlighted that navigating complex issues like trade disagreements and energy imports requires tough conversations and yet, she stressed that both nations should focus on shared goals, noting that to face China, the United States must have a strategic friend in India.
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Trump’s Tariffs and Their Impact on India
India faces US tariffs of up to 50 percent on certain goods, among the steepest penalties imposed during the Trump administration. Currently, a 25 percent tariff is in force, while another 25 percent will take effect from August 27. These tariffs link directly to India’s growing energy trade with Russia, placing New Delhi under international scrutiny while the measures aim to influence India’s purchase of Russian crude, even as other major importers like China face no similar penalties.
India Defends Strategic Autonomy
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar defended India’s choice to buy Russian oil. He said India will keep making decisions that serve its national interest and maintain its independence. Jaishankar added that India will decide its own path, no matter the international pressure or threats of tariffs. He also pointed out that China, which buys the most oil in the world, does not face similar punishments. India, he said, will always put its national interest first and stay strategically independent.
Shared Goals and Future Collaboration
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar defended India’s choice to buy Russian oil. He said India will keep making decisions that serve its national interest and maintain its independence. Jaishankar added that India will decide its own path, no matter the international pressure or threats of tariffs. He also pointed out that China, which buys the most oil in the world, does not face similar punishments. India, he said, will always put its national interest first and stay strategically independent.
