Title: Trump & PM Modi should hold direct talks on ‘urgent priority’: Ex-US envoy Nikki Haley
In a bid to mend Indo-US ties, which have been strained over the 50% tariff imposed by the Trump administration, former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has called for direct talks between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Haley, a Republican and a close ally of Trump, believes that the partnership between India and the US is a “no-brainer” to counter China, but the recent tensions need to be addressed through diplomatic channels.
In a recent statement, Haley emphasized the need for urgency, stating, “The most urgent priority should be to reverse the downward spiral, which will require direct talks between President Trump and PM Modi.” She believes that only through direct communication can the two leaders effectively address the issues plaguing their relationship and restore the strong bond that once existed.
The tensions between India and the US began when the Trump administration imposed 50% tariffs on Indian aluminum and steel imports, citing national security concerns. India retaliated by imposing tariffs on 28 US products, including almonds, apples, and motorcycles. The move has resulted in a significant decline in bilateral trade, with the US being one of India’s largest trading partners.
Haley’s suggestion for direct talks between Trump and Modi comes at a crucial time when India is gearing up to host the G20 summit in 2023. The summit is expected to bring together leaders from the world’s 20 largest economies, including the US and China, to discuss pressing global issues. With China’s growing influence and India’s rising economic might, the partnership between the two countries is crucial to maintaining a balance in the global landscape.
The US-India partnership is indeed a “no-brainer” for Haley, given the shared values and strategic interests between the two nations. India is one of the few countries that shares the US’s commitment to democracy, pluralism, and free markets. Moreover, both countries are major players in the Indo-Pacific region, where China’s aggressive territorial expansion has raised concerns about regional stability.
Haley’s call for direct talks is also significant in the context of the ongoing US-China trade war. The Trump administration has been pushing for a trade deal with China, but the negotiations have been stalled due to disagreements over issues such as intellectual property protection and market access. India, on the other hand, has been cautious in its approach towards China, seeking to balance its economic interests with its strategic concerns.
The relationship between India and the US has come a long way since the signing of the US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2008. The agreement marked a major milestone in Indo-US relations, paving the way for closer cooperation in areas such as defense, energy, and healthcare. Since then, the two countries have strengthened their partnership through various bilateral agreements and joint initiatives.
In recent years, the US has been a key partner for India in the defense sector, with both countries cooperating on projects such as the Indo-US Defense Technology and Trade Initiative and the US-India Joint Working Group on Counterterrorism. The US has also been a major source of foreign investment for India, with American companies like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook operating in the country.
Despite the progress made, there are still several challenges that need to be addressed to strengthen the Indo-US partnership. One of the key areas of concern is the issue of intellectual property rights, which has been a source of contention between the two countries. India has been accused of not doing enough to protect American intellectual property, particularly in the areas of pharmaceuticals and technology.
Another challenge is the issue of market access, with the US seeking greater access to India’s markets for its goods and services. India, on the other hand, has been pushing for greater market access to the US for its pharmaceuticals and IT products.
In conclusion, Haley’s call for direct talks between Trump and Modi is timely and necessary to address the current tensions between the two countries. The Indo-US partnership is a “no-brainer” for both countries, given their shared values and strategic interests. By engaging in direct talks, the two leaders can address the issues plaguing their relationship and restore the strong bond that once existed. As Haley emphasized, “The most urgent priority should be to reverse the downward spiral, which will require direct talks between President Trump and PM Modi.”
