Trump & PM Modi should hold direct talks on ‘urgent priority’: Ex-US envoy Nikki Haley
The relationship between India and the United States has been a significant aspect of international politics, with both nations sharing a strong bond. However, recent tensions over the imposition of 50% tariff on Indian goods have put a strain on their partnership. In a recent statement, President Donald Trump’s Republican colleague and former US Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, called for direct talks between PM Narendra Modi and Trump to mend India-US ties.
Haley, who served as the US Ambassador to the UN from 2017 to 2019, emphasized the importance of the partnership between India and the US, stating that it is a “no-brainer” to counter the growing influence of China. She further stressed that the most urgent priority should be to reverse the downward spiral in their relationship, which can be achieved through direct talks between President Trump and PM Modi.
The call for direct talks comes at a time when India and the US are engaged in a trade dispute. The US recently imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, including aluminum and steel, citing national security concerns. India has retaliated by imposing tariffs on 28 US goods, including almonds, apples, and walnuts. The trade dispute has been a major point of contention between the two nations, with both sides refusing to back down.
Haley’s statement is significant as it comes from a high-ranking official who has had the opportunity to work closely with both Trump and Modi. Her endorsement of direct talks between the two leaders adds weight to the argument that the only way to resolve the trade dispute is through open communication and dialogue.
The India-US partnership has been a key aspect of both nations’ foreign policies. India, as the largest democracy in the world, has been a crucial partner for the US in the Asia-Pacific region. The US, in turn, has been a significant investor in India, with American companies playing a major role in the country’s economic growth.
The partnership has not been without its challenges, however. The trade dispute is just one of the many issues that have plagued the relationship. Another area of contention has been the US’ decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, which has had significant implications for India’s energy security.
Despite these challenges, both nations have been working to strengthen their partnership. In 2016, the US and India signed the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), which aimed to enhance military cooperation between the two nations. The US has also been a major partner in India’s defense sector, with American companies such as Lockheed Martin and Boeing playing a significant role in the country’s military modernization program.
In addition to defense cooperation, the US and India have also been working to strengthen their economic ties. The US is India’s largest trade partner, with bilateral trade between the two nations standing at over $150 billion. The US is also a significant investor in India, with American companies such as Google, Facebook, and Microsoft having a significant presence in the country.
In conclusion, the call for direct talks between PM Modi and President Trump is a welcome development in the Indo-US relationship. The trade dispute between the two nations is significant, and it is imperative that both sides engage in open communication to resolve the issue. As Haley pointed out, the partnership between India and the US is a “no-brainer” to counter the growing influence of China, and it is crucial that both nations work together to strengthen their relationship.
