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Washington D.C.- Former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has publicly called for the United States to prioritize strengthening its relationship with India, warning that strained ties could undermine efforts to counter China’s expanding global influence. The intervention comes as a recent dispute over trade and other issues has created friction between the two nations.
Haley’s remarks,reported by News18.com, underscore growing anxieties within Republican circles about the potential consequences of a deteriorating relationship with India, a key strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region.
According to the report, Haley stressed the critical need to rebuild trust between the US and India, notably if Washington aims to effectively address the challenges posed by Beijing. She specifically cautioned against allowing disagreements over tariffs or the US position on India-Pakistan relations to damage the broader partnership.
“She argued that India should not be seen as an adversary akin to China and urged the Trump management not to let disputes over tariffs or US involvement in India-Pakistan tensions derail the relationship,” News18.com reported.
The current tensions reportedly stem from concerns raised by the US regarding India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, despite Western sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.Haley reportedly urged India to “take Trump’s view on Russian oil ‘seriously.'”
india has maintained its stance that it needs to secure affordable energy sources for its large population and economic growth, and has increased its imports of discounted Russian crude oil since the start of the war in Ukraine. This has drawn criticism from the US and other Western nations who are attempting to limit Russia’s revenue streams.
The US-India relationship has seen significant strengthening in recent decades, particularly under the Bush, Obama, and Trump administrations, driven by shared concerns about China’s rise and a desire to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Key areas of cooperation include defense, counterterrorism, and trade.
The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), comprising the US, India, Japan, and Australia, is a prominent example of this strategic alignment. The Quad aims to enhance regional stability and cooperation through joint military exercises, facts sharing, and coordinated diplomatic efforts.
Haley’s intervention highlights a broader debate within US foreign policy circles about how to balance competing priorities in the Indo-Pacific. Some policymakers advocate for a tougher stance on India’s energy purchases from Russia, while others prioritize maintaining a strong strategic partnership with New Delhi as a crucial counterbalance to China.
The US and India have also been navigating complexities related to trade. While bilateral trade has grown significantly,disputes over tariffs and market access remain.the Trump administration had previously imposed tariffs on certain indian goods, leading to retaliatory measures from India.
The US has also historically maintained a neutral stance on the long-standing dispute between India and Pakistan over Kashmir, occasionally offering mediation efforts. This has sometimes caused friction with India, which views Kashmir as an integral part of its territory.
Haley’s call for improved relations comes at a time when China is actively expanding its economic and military influence globally, through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and increased assertiveness in the South China Sea. The US views India as a vital partner in containing China’s ambitions.
She argued that India should not be seen as an adversary akin to China and urged the Trump administration not to let disputes over tariffs or US involvement in India-Pakistan tensions derail