Trump & PM Modi Should Hold Direct Talks on ‘Urgent Priority’: Ex-US Envoy Nikki Haley
In a bid to mend India-US ties, which have been severely strained over the imposition of 50% tariff on Indian products, former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has called for direct talks between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Haley, a Republican colleague of Trump, believes that the partnership between India and the US is a “no-brainer” to counter the growing influence of China.
In an interview with NDTV, Haley emphasized that the most pressing priority should be to reverse the downward spiral in relations between the two nations. To achieve this, she advocated for direct talks between the two leaders, citing the importance of resolving the trade issues and other outstanding matters.
“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 have a conversation about what’s going on, where the problems are, and how they can fix them.”
Haley’s comments come at a time when the India-US relationship is facing unprecedented strain. The imposition of 50% tariff on Indian products by the Trump administration has led to widespread criticism and protests in India, with many calling for a boycott of American goods.
Despite the tensions, Haley remains optimistic about the potential for a strong partnership between the two nations. In her interview, she highlighted the shared values and strategic interests that bind India and the US together.
“The partnership between India and the US is a no-brainer. We have shared values, we have shared interests, and we have a shared commitment to democracy and freedom,” Haley said. “The question is, can we get past these petty issues and focus on the bigger picture?”
Haley’s views on the India-US relationship are not without controversy. Her call for direct talks between Trump and Modi has been met with skepticism by some, who argue that the two leaders have different styles and priorities that could make a meeting challenging.
However, Haley believes that the benefits of a strong partnership between India and the US far outweigh the potential challenges. In her view, the two nations have a shared stake in countering the growing influence of China, which is increasingly asserting its dominance in the region.
“China is a rising power, and we need to make sure that we’re working together to counter that,” Haley said. “India and the US have a shared interest in promoting stability and security in the region, and we need to work together to achieve that.”
Haley’s comments have been welcomed by many in India, who are eager to see a resolution to the trade tensions and a strengthening of ties between the two nations. In recent years, India has emerged as a key partner for the US in the region, with the two nations cooperating closely on issues such as counter-terrorism and non-proliferation.
However, the relationship has also been marked by tensions and disagreements, particularly over issues such as trade and technology. The imposition of 50% tariff on Indian products has been seen as a major setback for Indian businesses, which are struggling to compete with American imports.
Despite these challenges, Haley remains optimistic about the potential for a strong partnership between India and the US. In her view, the two nations have a shared stake in promoting stability and security in the region, and they need to work together to achieve that.
“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 have a conversation about what’s going on, where the problems are, and how they can fix them.”
As the India-US relationship continues to evolve, Haley’s comments serve as a reminder of the importance of direct communication and cooperation between the two nations. With tensions running high and disagreements still to be resolved, it remains to be seen whether Trump and Modi will take up Haley’s call for direct talks.
