Trump & PM Modi should hold direct talks on ‘urgent priority’: Ex-US envoy Nikki Haley
The India-US partnership has been touted as a crucial alliance in the face of China’s rising influence, and now former US Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, has emphasized the importance of direct talks between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mend ties between the two nations. In a recent statement, Haley highlighted the need for urgent priority in reversing the downward spiral in relations, citing the ongoing tensions over the 50% tariff imposed by the US on Indian goods.
“It’s a no-brainer that India and the United States should be working together to counter China’s growing influence,” Haley said in an interview with NDTV. “But unfortunately, the last few months have seen a downward spiral in our relationship. The most urgent priority should be to reverse that downward spiral, which will require direct talks between President Trump and PM Modi.”
Haley’s remarks come amid escalating tensions between the two nations, particularly over the US-imposed tariffs on Indian goods. The tariffs, which were imposed in response to India’s retaliatory tariffs on US goods, have led to a surge in tensions between the two nations, with both sides exchanging barbs and threats.
Despite the current challenges, Haley believes that the partnership between India and the US is crucial in countering China’s growing influence in the region. “We need to work together to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and that requires a strong partnership between the US and India,” she said.
Haley’s emphasis on direct talks between Trump and Modi is significant, as it highlights the need for top-level engagement to resolve the outstanding issues between the two nations. The two leaders have had limited interactions in recent times, with Modi meeting Trump on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan, in June. While the meeting was seen as a positive development, it did not yield any concrete breakthroughs in resolving the outstanding issues.
The US-India relationship has been a key component of Washington’s strategy to counter China’s growing influence in the region. The two nations have been working closely together on issues such as counter-terrorism, non-proliferation, and maritime security, and have also made significant progress in areas such as trade and defense.
However, despite the progress, the relationship has faced several challenges in recent times. The US has been critical of India’s decision to impose retaliatory tariffs on US goods, while India has been vocal about its concerns over the US’s protectionist policies and the impact on its economy.
The tariff war has also led to a decline in bilateral trade between the two nations. The US has imposed tariffs on Indian goods worth over $40 billion, including aluminum and steel products, while India has imposed tariffs on US goods worth over $20 billion, including agricultural products and chemicals.
In the face of these challenges, Haley’s call for direct talks between Trump and Modi takes on significant importance. The two leaders have the ability to resolve the outstanding issues and restore the partnership to its former glory. As Haley said, “The most urgent priority should be to reverse the downward spiral, which will require direct talks between President Trump and PM Modi.”
In conclusion, the India-US partnership is a critical component of the region’s security and economic landscape, and it is essential that both nations work together to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The call for direct talks between Trump and Modi is a timely reminder of the importance of top-level engagement in resolving the outstanding issues between the two nations.
