Trump & PM Modi should hold direct talks on ‘urgent priority’: Ex-US envoy Nikki Haley
The United States-India partnership has been touted as a strategic alliance to counter the rising influence of China. However, recent tensions over tariffs have threatened to derail this crucial relationship. In a move to mend fences, 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 such a meeting would be the “most urgent priority” to reverse the downward spiral in India-US ties.
In an interview with NDTV, Haley emphasized the importance of the India-US relationship, calling it a “no-brainer” for both countries to work together to counter China’s growing economic and military might. She pointed out that both nations share common values, including democracy, free trade, and a commitment to protecting human rights.
Haley’s remarks come at a time when the India-US relationship is facing significant challenges. The Trump administration has imposed tariffs on Indian goods worth $6.2 billion, citing alleged unfair trade practices. India has retaliated with its own set of tariffs, which has led to a trade war between the two nations.
The former US envoy acknowledged that the current standoff is a result of the trade tensions, but she believes that a meeting between Trump and Modi would be the first step towards resolving the issue. “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 proposal is significant, given her close ties to the Trump administration. As a former Governor of South Carolina, Haley was a strong supporter of Trump’s presidential campaign and served as the US Ambassador to the United Nations from 2017 to 2019. Her endorsement of a Modi-Trump meeting carries weight, especially in the context of the ongoing trade tensions between the two nations.
The India-US relationship has been a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy, with both countries cooperating on a range of issues, including counter-terrorism, non-proliferation, and climate change. The partnership has also been critical in promoting economic growth, with India being one of the largest recipients of US foreign direct investment.
However, the current trade tensions have raised concerns about the future of the relationship. The Indian government has accused the US of being “arbitrary” and “unpredictable” in its trade policies, while the Trump administration has criticized India’s trade practices, including its high tariffs on US goods.
Haley’s proposal for a Modi-Trump meeting is seen as a way to break the impasse and find a mutually acceptable solution to the trade standoff. She believes that the two leaders can work together to find a way forward, especially given their shared commitment to democracy and free trade.
The former US envoy also highlighted the importance of the India-US partnership in the context of the global economy. She noted that both countries are critical players in the global economy, with India being the world’s fastest-growing major economy and the US being the largest economy in the world.
Haley’s remarks have been welcomed by Indian officials, who have been seeking a way to resolve the trade tensions with the US. Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has already met with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to discuss the trade issues, and there are indications that the two sides are making progress towards a resolution.
In conclusion, Nikki Haley’s proposal for a Modi-Trump meeting is a timely reminder of the importance of the India-US partnership in the context of the global economy. The two leaders have a unique opportunity to work together to find a way forward, especially given their shared commitment to democracy and free trade.
As Haley herself noted, the most urgent priority should be to reverse the downward spiral in India-US ties. A meeting between Trump and Modi would be a significant step towards achieving this goal, and it is essential that both leaders seize this opportunity to mend fences and strengthen their partnership.
