Nikki Haley Warns Trump: "Don’t Alienate India While Countering China"

Nikki Haley, former US ambassador to the United Nations and a senior Republican leader, has highlighted how important India is for US foreign policy. She asked India to take President Donald Trump’s concerns over Russian oil seriously. Her remarks came after Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, which has increased tensions in trade between the two countries. Haley warned that ignoring India while China grows stronger could be a “strategic disaster.” She added that decades of friendship between the two largest democracies can help overcome current problems.

Haley Highlights India’s Strategic Role

In an opinion piece co-written with Bill Drexel of the Hudson Institute, Haley said that partnering with India to counter China should be obvious. She noted that India and China are unfriendly neighbors. They have conflicting economic interests and ongoing border disputes, including a deadly clash in 2020. Haley said India’s rise, unlike Communist China, does not threaten the free world. Supporting India, she said, would help America and improve global security.

Haley pointed out India’s important role in supply chains. She said India can manufacture at scale and reduce US dependence on China. She also mentioned expanding defense cooperation with the US, Israel, and other allies, which makes India a key security partner. India’s location in the middle of China’s trade and energy routes, she added, could limit Beijing’s options if a conflict arises. Haley also highlighted India’s young population, which gives it an advantage over China’s aging workforce.

Concerns Over Russian Oil and Trade

Haley warned against treating India as an enemy because of its Russian oil imports and trade policies. She pointed out that China, the world’s largest oil importer, does not face the same sanctions. She called for direct talks between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi to fix the “downward spiral” in relations. Haley said trade disagreements and Russian oil issues need tough discussions but should not overshadow bigger strategic goals.

Trump Tariffs and India’s Response

Trump announced a 50% tariff on Indian goods, blaming India’s discounted Russian oil purchases and high trade barriers and the tariffs aim to pressure India to reduce imports and open its markets. Policymakers and business groups warned that such steep duties could hurt the US-India partnership. Prime Minister Modi called the tariffs “unjustified” and said India would continue focusing on strategic independence and self-reliance. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar added that India makes energy and trade decisions based on national interests, including the welfare of farmers and small producers.

India also said it would temporarily suspend all postal services to the US from August 25 because of new customs rules under the IEEPA framework. Gifts under $100 will still be exempt, but all other items will face duties starting August 29.