Title: Trump & PM Modi should hold direct talks on ‘urgent priority’: Ex-US envoy Nikki Haley
In the current global scenario, where the world is witnessing a significant shift in power dynamics, the partnership between India and the United States has emerged as a crucial counterbalance to China’s growing influence. Amidst the ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two countries, ex-US envoy Nikki Haley has called for direct talks between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mend their ties and address the pressing issues at hand.
In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Haley, a Republican and former US Ambassador to the United Nations, emphasized that the Indo-US partnership is a “no-brainer” in the context of the evolving global landscape. She highlighted the need for the leaders of both nations to engage in direct talks to resolve the outstanding issues and strengthen their bilateral ties.
The current state of Indo-US relations has been marred by tensions over the 50% tariff imposed by the Trump administration on Indian goods, including aluminum and steel. The move has been widely criticized by Indian officials, who have accused the US of resorting to protectionism and undermining the spirit of free trade.
Haley’s call for direct talks between Trump and Modi comes at a time when the ties between the two countries are at an all-time low. The imposition of tariffs has not only damaged India’s economy but also strained the relationship between the two leaders, who have been known for their strong personal bond.
In her interview, Haley acknowledged the challenges facing the Indo-US partnership but emphasized that the benefits of the relationship far outweigh the costs. She pointed out that the two countries share a common objective of promoting democracy, economic growth, and stability in the region.
“The most urgent priority should be to reverse the downward spiral, which will require direct talks between President Trump and PM Modi,” Haley said. “They need to sit down, have a conversation, and work through their differences. There’s no reason why the two largest democracies in the world can’t work together.”
Haley’s comments have sparked a heated debate in India, with many experts and politicians calling for a more nuanced approach to resolving the trade disputes. Some have argued that the US has been unfair in its treatment of India, while others have suggested that the Indian government needs to take a more conciliatory approach to resolve the issue.
Despite the divisions within the Indian establishment, Haley’s call for direct talks has been widely welcomed by many who see it as a pragmatic solution to the ongoing crisis. The Indian government has been accused of being slow to respond to the US tariffs, and Haley’s suggestion that the leaders of both countries should engage in direct talks could provide a much-needed catalyst for resolving the issue.
In recent months, the Indo-US partnership has been marked by a series of high-level diplomatic exchanges, including a visit by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to India in September. However, despite these efforts, the relationship has continued to deteriorate, with both sides engaging in a war of words over trade and other issues.
Haley’s call for direct talks between Trump and Modi is a recognition that the current approach has not yielded the desired results. By engaging in direct talks, the leaders of both countries can work through their differences and find a mutually acceptable solution to the outstanding issues.
In conclusion, Haley’s call for direct talks between Trump and Modi is a timely reminder of the importance of diplomacy in resolving international disputes. The Indo-US partnership has the potential to be a game-changer in the global economy, and it is imperative that the leaders of both countries work together to address the outstanding issues and strengthen their bilateral ties.
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