Trump & PM Modi should hold direct talks on ‘urgent priority’: Ex-US envoy Nikki Haley
The partnership between India and the United States is a “no-brainer” to counter the rising influence of China, said President Donald Trump’s Republican colleague and former US Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley. In a pressing call to action, Haley emphasized that the most urgent priority should be to reverse the downward spiral in India-US ties, which can only be achieved through direct talks between President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Haley’s remarks come at a time when tensions between New Delhi and Washington are escalating over the US’s decision to impose 50% tariffs on Indian steel and aluminum exports. The move has been met with strong resistance from the Indian government, which has called for a review of the decision. The tariffs, imposed under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, were aimed at protecting American industries, but have been criticized for their potential to harm the global economy.
In an interview with a leading news channel, Haley emphasized the importance of the India-US partnership in countering China’s growing influence in the region. “We need to work together to push back against China’s aggressive behavior and to stand up for our values of freedom, democracy, and human rights,” she said. “The partnership between India and the US is a no-brainer. We have a common enemy in China, and we need to work together to counter its growing influence.”
However, Haley acknowledged that the current tensions between the two nations need to be addressed urgently. “The most urgent priority should be to reverse the downward spiral, which will require direct talks between President Trump and PM Modi,” she said. “We need to sit down, have a conversation, and find a way to move forward. We can’t afford to let our differences tear us apart.”
Haley’s call for direct talks between Trump and Modi is significant, given the current tensions between the two nations. The US’s decision to impose tariffs on Indian steel and aluminum exports has been met with strong resistance from New Delhi, which has threatened to retaliate with tariffs of its own. The US has also been critical of India’s decision to impose tariffs on American goods, including almonds, apples, and other agricultural products.
The tensions between the two nations have been building for some time, with the US and India failing to agree on a range of issues, including trade, security, and climate change. However, Haley emphasized that the partnership between the two nations is essential to achieving common goals, including countering China’s growing influence and promoting global stability.
“India and the US share a deep and abiding commitment to democracy, freedom, and human rights,” Haley said. “We have a shared interest in promoting peace and stability in the region, and we need to work together to achieve these goals. The current tensions between our nations are a setback, but they are not insurmountable. We can work through our differences and find a way to move forward.”
Haley’s remarks have been welcomed by many in India, who see the partnership between the two nations as essential to promoting India’s economic and strategic interests. The Indian government has been pushing for a stronger partnership with the US, including increased cooperation on trade, defense, and climate change.
“India and the US have a strong partnership, and we need to work together to promote our shared interests,” said a senior government official. “We are committed to finding a way to resolve our differences and to move forward in a positive and constructive manner.”
In conclusion, Nikki Haley’s call for direct talks between President Trump and PM Modi is a timely and necessary intervention in the current tensions between India and the US. The partnership between the two nations is essential to promoting global stability and countering China’s growing influence, and it is crucial that the two nations find a way to move forward in a positive and constructive manner.
