Trump & PM Modi should hold direct talks on ‘urgent priority’: Ex-US envoy Nikki Haley
In a recent statement, former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has called for direct talks between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mend ties between the two nations. This comes amidst growing tensions over a proposed 50% tariff on Indian goods by the Trump administration.
Haley, a Republican and a close ally of Trump, emphasized the importance of the partnership between India and the US in countering the growing influence of China. She described the partnership as a “no-brainer” and urged the two leaders to take immediate action to reverse the downward spiral in their relations.
“The most urgent priority should be to reverse the downward spiral, which will require direct talks between President Trump and PM Modi,” Haley said in an interview.
The tension between the two countries has been escalating in recent months over issues such as trade, defense, and security. The US has imposed tariffs on Indian goods worth billions of dollars, while India has retaliated with its own set of tariffs. The situation has led to a deterioration in the bilateral ties, with both sides engaging in a war of words.
However, Haley believes that a direct meeting between Trump and Modi can help to resolve the issues and restore the partnership to its former glory. She emphasized that the two leaders have a unique opportunity to work together and address the challenges posed by China, which has been rapidly increasing its military and economic presence in the region.
“The partnership between India and the US is a no-brainer. It’s a partnership that’s been building for decades, and it’s a partnership that’s essential for the future of the region,” Haley said.
Haley’s call for direct talks between Trump and Modi comes at a time when the two countries are facing a number of challenges, including the ongoing trade tensions and the threat posed by China. The US has been increasingly critical of China’s aggressive behavior in the region, including its construction of military bases in the South China Sea and its alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang.
India, meanwhile, has been strengthening its ties with other countries in the region, including Japan and Australia, in an effort to counterbalance China’s growing influence. However, Haley believes that the US and India have a unique opportunity to work together and achieve more through their partnership.
“The US and India share common values and interests, and we have a unique opportunity to work together to address the challenges posed by China,” Haley said.
In addition to the trade and security issues, Haley also emphasized the importance of cultural and people-to-people ties between the two countries. She noted that the US and India have a long history of cultural exchange and cooperation, and that these ties can play an important role in strengthening the partnership.
“The US and India have a deep and abiding cultural connection. We have a shared love of democracy, a shared love of freedom, and a shared love of entrepreneurship. These are the kinds of ties that can bring people together and build a stronger partnership,” Haley said.
Haley’s call for direct talks between Trump and Modi has been welcomed by many in India, who have been calling for a more robust and proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by China.
“India and the US have a historic opportunity to work together to counterbalance China’s growing influence in the region. A direct meeting between Trump and Modi can help to achieve this goal and strengthen the partnership between the two countries,” said a senior government official in New Delhi.
The official also emphasized the importance of resolving the trade tensions between the two countries, which have been a major source of discord in recent months.
“The trade tensions between India and the US need to be addressed urgently. A direct meeting between Trump and Modi can help to resolve these tensions and pave the way for a stronger partnership between the two countries,” the official said.
In conclusion, Haley’s call for direct talks between Trump and Modi is a timely and important one. The two leaders have a unique opportunity to work together and achieve great things, and a direct meeting can help to strengthen the partnership between the two countries and address the challenges posed by China.
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