Title: Trump & PM Modi should hold direct talks on ‘urgent priority’: Ex-US envoy Nikki Haley
In a recent statement, former US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, has called for direct talks between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the growing tensions between India and the United States. Haley, a Republican, emphasized the importance of the partnership between India and the US, calling it a “no-brainer” to counter the growing influence of China.
The statement comes amid rising tensions between the two nations over the US’s decision to impose 50% tariffs on Indian steel and aluminum products. The move has led to a sharp deterioration in bilateral relations, with India retaliating by imposing tariffs on over 25 American products.
Haley, who is known for her strong diplomatic skills and her ability to navigate complex international relationships, believes that the most urgent priority should be to reverse the downward spiral in India-US ties. She emphasized that direct talks between President Trump and PM Modi are essential to address the issues at hand and to find a mutually beneficial solution.
“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 issues. This is not a time for rhetoric or posturing; it’s a time for real diplomacy.”
Haley’s call for direct talks comes at a time when the relationship between India and the US is at a crossroads. The two nations have traditionally enjoyed strong ties, with the US being one of India’s largest trading partners. However, the recent tariffs imposed by the US have led to a sharp decline in bilateral trade, with India’s exports to the US declining by over 20% in the past year.
The US-India trade relationship is a significant one, with bilateral trade amounting to over $150 billion annually. However, the recent tariffs have created uncertainty and anxiety among Indian businesses, which are struggling to cope with the new trade environment.
Haley’s suggestion for direct talks between Trump and Modi is a welcome move, as it could help to address the issues at hand and find a solution that benefits both nations. The US and India have a long history of cooperation, with the two nations collaborating on a range of issues, including defense, counter-terrorism, and climate change.
In recent years, the US and India have also strengthened their defense ties, with the US providing India with advanced military equipment and technology. The two nations have also cooperated on counter-terrorism, with the US providing India with intelligence and training to combat terrorist groups.
Despite the challenges facing the US-India relationship, Haley remains optimistic about the future of the partnership. She believes that the US and India share a common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and that they are natural allies in the fight against terrorism and extremism.
“The partnership between the US and India is a no-brainer,” Haley said. “We share a common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and we are natural allies in the fight against terrorism and extremism. We need to work together to address the challenges facing our region and to promote peace and stability.”
In conclusion, Haley’s call for direct talks between Trump and Modi is a timely and welcome move. The US-India relationship is a significant one, and it is essential that the two nations work together to find a solution to the challenges facing their partnership. With Haley’s diplomatic expertise and the strong ties between the US and India, there is no reason why the two nations cannot find a way to overcome their differences and continue to work together in the years to come.
