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 referred to as a “no-brainer” when it comes to countering the growing influence of China in the Asian region. The two countries share a common goal of promoting democracy, stability, and economic growth, making their partnership a crucial one in the current global landscape. However, recent tensions over 50% tariffs have put a strain on their relationship, with many experts calling for a meeting between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resolve the issue.
In a recent statement, President Trump’s Republican colleague and former US Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, echoed these sentiments, calling for direct talks between the two leaders to mend ties. According to Haley, the most urgent priority should be to reverse the downward spiral, which will require direct talks between President Trump and PM Modi.
Haley’s statement comes at a time when India and the US are facing a number of challenges in their relationship. The 50% tariffs imposed by the US on Indian aluminum and steel products have led to a significant increase in tensions between the two countries. India has responded by imposing tariffs on 29 US products, including almonds, apples, and pulses.
The US has also been critical of India’s moves to restrict the use of a key US agricultural software, while India has expressed concerns over the US’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord. Additionally, the US has been pushing India to increase its defense spending, which has led to concerns over the country’s ability to meet the demands.
Despite these challenges, Haley believes that the partnership between India and the US is too important to be derailed by a few disputes. In an interview with a leading news channel, she said, “The relationship between India and the US is a no-brainer. We have a shared interest in promoting democracy, stability, and economic growth in the region. We have to work together to achieve these goals.”
Haley also expressed her confidence in the ability of President Trump and PM Modi to resolve their differences through direct talks. She said, “The two leaders have a good relationship and have shown that they can work together effectively in the past. I have no doubt that they can do it again.”
The call for direct talks between Trump and Modi has been echoed by many experts in the field. Dr. C Raja Mohan, a leading expert on Indian foreign policy, said, “The relationship between India and the US is at a critical juncture. We need a high-level meeting between the two leaders to resolve our differences and move forward. Direct talks between Trump and Modi would send a strong message to the world about the importance of our partnership.”
Similarly, Dr. Lalit Mansingh, a former Indian diplomat, said, “The tariffs imposed by the US on Indian aluminum and steel products have caused significant damage to our economy. We need a meeting between Trump and Modi to resolve this issue and restore normalcy to our trade relations.”
In conclusion, the partnership between India and the US is a crucial one in the current global landscape. Despite the challenges that they are facing, Haley believes that direct talks between President Trump and PM Modi are necessary to resolve their differences and move forward. As the two leaders have shown in the past, they have the ability to work together effectively, and a meeting between them would send a strong message to the world about the importance of their partnership.
