Trump & PM Modi Should Hold Direct Talks on ‘Urgent Priority’: Ex-US Envoy Nikki Haley
In a recent statement, former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has called for direct talks between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mend India-US ties, which have been strained due to disagreements over tariffs. Haley, a member of Trump’s Republican party, emphasized that the partnership between India and the US is a “no-brainer” to counter China’s growing economic and military influence in the region.
The tensions between the two countries escalated when the US imposed tariffs on Indian goods worth $6 billion, citing India’s failure to provide adequate access to its markets for American companies. India has retaliated by imposing tariffs on $240 billion worth of US goods, including aluminum and steel. The dispute has led to a significant decline in bilateral trade between the two countries.
Haley, who has been a strong supporter of Trump’s foreign policy initiatives, believes that the most urgent priority should be to reverse this downward spiral. She emphasized that direct talks between Trump and Modi are essential to resolve the trade disputes and strengthen the India-US partnership.
“The most urgent priority should be to reverse the downward spiral, which will require direct talks between President Trump and PM Modi,” Haley said in an interview. “It’s time to put aside petty differences and work together to address the bigger picture.”
Haley’s statement comes at a time when India and the US are facing increasing competition from China, which has become the world’s second-largest economy and is rapidly expanding its military capabilities. The US has been trying to rally its allies to counterbalance China’s growing influence, and India is seen as a key partner in this effort.
The India-US partnership has been growing steadily over the past few years, with the two countries cooperating on a range of issues including defense, security, and trade. The US has been a strong supporter of India’s emergence as a major player in the global economy, and has provided India with significant military and economic assistance.
However, the recent tariff disputes have put a strain on the relationship, and Haley’s call for direct talks between Trump and Modi reflects the urgent need for the two leaders to resolve their differences and move forward.
Haley’s statement has been welcomed by many in India who believe that direct talks between the two leaders are essential to resolve the trade disputes and strengthen the India-US partnership. However, there are also those who are skeptical about the prospects of a successful meeting, given the deep-seated differences between the two countries.
The Indian government has been critical of the US tariffs, saying that they are unfair and will harm Indian businesses and consumers. The Indian industry has also been vocal in its opposition to the tariffs, saying that they will lead to job losses and economic hardship.
However, Haley’s call for direct talks between Trump and Modi has also been criticized by some who believe that the US is trying to bully India into submission. The Indian government has been accused of being too soft on the US and failing to stand up for Indian interests.
Despite the challenges, Haley’s statement is a timely reminder of the importance of the India-US partnership in the context of the growing competition with China. The two countries need to work together to counterbalance China’s growing influence and promote a more stable and secure world.
In conclusion, Haley’s call for direct talks between Trump and Modi is a welcome development that reflects the urgent need for the two leaders to resolve their differences and move forward. The India-US partnership is a “no-brainer” to counter China’s growing influence, and the two countries need to work together to promote a more stable and secure world.
