Trump & PM Modi should hold direct talks on ‘urgent priority’: Ex-US envoy Nikki Haley
The partnership between India and the United States is a “no-brainer” to counter China’s growing influence in the region, according to Nikki Haley, a Republican colleague of President Donald Trump and former US Ambassador to the United Nations. In a recent statement, Haley emphasized the importance of direct talks between Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mend the strained ties between the two nations, amidst growing tensions over a 50% tariff on Indian goods.
Haley’s call for direct talks comes at a critical time, as India-US relations have been strained in recent months. The imposition of tariffs by the Trump administration on Indian goods, including steel and aluminum, has led to a significant backlash from New Delhi, with India retaliating with its own set of tariffs on US goods.
The tensions between the two nations have been further amplified by the ongoing trade war between the US and China. India, along with other Asian nations, has been caught in the crossfire, as the US-China trade tensions have led to a decline in global trade and a rise in protectionism.
In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Haley emphasized the importance of direct talks between Trump and Modi to reverse the downward spiral in India-US relations. “The most urgent priority should be to reverse the downward spiral, which will require direct talks between President Trump and PM Modi,” she said.
Haley’s statement is significant, as it comes from a high-ranking official who has had extensive dealings with both Trump and Modi. As the former US Ambassador to the United Nations, Haley has played a key role in shaping US foreign policy, including its relations with India.
Haley’s call for direct talks between Trump and Modi is not without precedent. In recent months, there have been several attempts to revive the stalled India-US trade talks, with both sides making significant concessions. However, despite these efforts, the tensions between the two nations remain unresolved.
The India-US trade dispute is not the only area of concern for Haley. She has also been critical of China’s growing influence in the region, and has called for increased cooperation between India and the US to counter Beijing’s rising power.
“China is a major player in the region, and we need to be very careful about how we deal with them,” Haley said in an interview with NDTV. “India is a key partner for us in this regard, and we need to work together to counter China’s growing influence.”
Haley’s statement is significant, as it comes at a time when India is increasingly wary of China’s growing influence in the region. The Modi government has been working to strengthen India’s defense capabilities, and has also been seeking to improve ties with other nations in the region, including the US.
The India-US relationship is complex and multifaceted, with ties spanning a range of areas, including trade, defense, and security. While the trade dispute has been a major point of contention, the two nations have also been working together on several key issues, including counter-terrorism and non-proliferation.
In recent months, there have been several high-level exchanges between the two nations, including a visit by US Defense Secretary Mark Esper to India in October. The visit was seen as significant, as it marked the first time a US Defense Secretary had visited India in over a decade.
Despite the progress made in recent months, the India-US relationship remains fragile, and the tensions over the trade dispute continue to simmer. Haley’s call for direct talks between Trump and Modi is a timely reminder of the importance of diplomacy in resolving the ongoing trade dispute and strengthening ties between the two nations.
In conclusion, Haley’s statement is a significant development in the ongoing India-US trade dispute. Her call for direct talks between Trump and Modi is a timely reminder of the importance of diplomacy in resolving the ongoing trade dispute and strengthening ties between the two nations.
As the US-China trade tensions continue to escalate, it is crucial that the India-US relationship is strengthened to counter Beijing’s growing influence in the region. Haley’s statement is a significant step in this direction, and her call for direct talks between Trump and Modi is a timely reminder of the importance of diplomacy in resolving the ongoing trade dispute.
