Title: Trump & PM Modi should hold direct talks on ‘urgent priority’: Ex-US envoy Nikki Haley
The partnership between India and the United States is often touted as a strategic alliance, but the recent trade tensions have put a dent in the relationship. Amid the ongoing trade disputes, a former US Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, has called for direct talks between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resolve the issues.
In an interview with a prominent news channel, Haley emphasized the importance of the India-US partnership, stating that it is a “no-brainer” for both countries to work together to counter the growing influence of China. She highlighted that the partnership is crucial for both nations to address the current global challenges and maintain their positions as global leaders.
However, Haley also pointed out that the recent trade tensions have created a sense of uncertainty and instability in the relationship. She emphasized that the most urgent priority should be to reverse the downward spiral, which will require direct talks between President Trump and PM Modi.
The trade tensions between India and the US have been escalating over the past few months, with the US imposing tariffs on Indian goods and India retaliating with its own set of tariffs. The situation has led to a 50% tariff on several Indian products, including steel and aluminum.
Haley’s call for direct talks between Trump and Modi comes at a time when both leaders have been facing criticism for their handling of the trade disputes. Trump has been accused of being too aggressive in his trade policies, while Modi has been criticized for his government’s inability to negotiate effectively with the US.
Despite the challenges, both countries have a strong foundation to build on. The India-US partnership has been growing rapidly in recent years, with both countries cooperating in areas such as defense, technology, and healthcare.
In fact, the US is one of India’s largest trading partners, and the two countries have a bilateral trade relationship worth over $150 billion. India is also a key player in the US’ Indo-Pacific strategy, and the two countries have been working together to promote regional stability and counterbalance China’s growing influence.
Haley’s call for direct talks between Trump and Modi is not the first time that a high-profile US official has advocated for greater engagement between the two leaders. Earlier this year, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had expressed his wish to see more direct communication between Trump and Modi, citing the importance of the India-US relationship in the face of growing global challenges.
In conclusion, Nikki Haley’s call for direct talks between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi is a timely reminder of the importance of the India-US partnership. Despite the current trade tensions, both countries have a strong foundation to build on, and direct talks between the two leaders could help resolve the issues and strengthen the relationship.
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. The partnership between India and the US is a “no-brainer” for both countries to work together to counter the growing influence of China and address the current global challenges.
