Nikki Haley warned that US-India relations are on the verge of collapse. She said that the US should strengthen relations with India to stop China's growing power, imposing tariffs is a major strategic mistake.
US-India Relations: Former US Ambassador Nikki Haley has expressed serious concern over US-India relations. She says that if the US wants to stop China's growing power, it has to strengthen relations with India. Haley called President Donald Trump's tariff decision a strategic mistake and said that it would harm US-India relations.
Warning of Crisis in US-India Relations
Nikki Haley said that US-India relations are currently on the verge of collapse. She recalled that India could prove to be the biggest ally in countering China's growing dominance in Asia. Haley believes that the recent tension between India and the US is not good for the interests of both countries.
She said that if there is no trust between the US and India, China will take advantage of this opportunity. The US should reconsider its foreign policy and take steps to strengthen friendly relations with India.
Tariff Dispute and Russia's Oil Issue
Haley's statement comes at a time when President Donald Trump has announced a 25% reciprocal duty and 25% additional tariffs on India. This step has been taken regarding India's purchase of oil from Russia.
Trump said that purchasing oil from Russia is equivalent to providing financial assistance for the Ukraine war. But Haley believes that imposing tariffs on India is a strategically wrong move. She said that this will distance India from the US and it will only benefit China.
Emphasis on the Importance of India
Nikki Haley placed special emphasis on India's role. She said that India is the most important country in curbing China's growing ambitions in Asia. India has a large population, a b economy and a vast manufacturing capacity.
Haley says that if the US shifts its supply chain from China to India, it will be beneficial for both countries. India has the technical and industrial capabilities, which can prove to be strategically important for the US.
Need for Defense and Security Partnership
Haley said that there should be a b partnership between India and the US in the field of defense and security. India is already cooperating with countries like the US and Israel in defense technology and security matters.
She said that if the US does not strengthen its relations with India, countries like China-Russia can weaken America's hold in Asia. The US has to understand that it will be difficult to face China's challenge in Asia without India.
Appeal for Trump-Modi Dialogue
Nikki Haley also suggested that President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi should have direct talks. According to her, both leaders have to openly discuss all the disputes so that misunderstandings can be removed. Haley gave the example of the conversation between Indira Gandhi and US President Ronald Reagan in 1982. She said that even at that time there were differences between the two countries, but relations were strengthened through dialogue.
Strategy to stop China
Nikki Haley said that China is constantly strengthening its hold in Asia. China's ambition in economic, technical and military matters is a challenge for the US. To face this challenge, the US needs an ally like India. If the US treats India like an enemy, both China and Russia will benefit. The US has to understand that only a b friendship with India can maintain the balance of power in Asia.
