Title: Trump & PM Modi should hold direct talks on ‘urgent priority’: Ex-US envoy Nikki Haley
The India-US partnership has been touted as a “no-brainer” to counter the growing influence of China, and former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has echoed this sentiment. However, she believes that the partnership’s potential can only be fully realized if President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi hold direct talks to address the current tensions between the two nations.
In a recent statement, Haley emphasized that the most pressing priority should be to reverse the downward spiral in India-US relations, which she believes can only be accomplished through direct talks between Trump and Modi. The statement comes amid the ongoing tensions between the two nations over the 50% tariff imposed by the US on Indian steel and aluminum, among other issues.
The India-US partnership has been a key focus of both governments, with the two nations cooperating on a range of issues, including trade, security, and climate change. However, recent tensions have threatened to derail this partnership, with both sides trading barbs over the tariff issue.
Haley’s call for direct talks between Trump and Modi is a welcome development, as it recognizes the importance of high-level engagement between the two leaders to resolve the issues that have been plaguing the partnership. The former US Ambassador’s statement also acknowledges the potential benefits of the India-US partnership, which she believes can be a powerful counterbalance to China’s growing influence in the region.
The India-US partnership has been built on a foundation of shared values, including democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. The two nations have also been working together to address a range of global challenges, including terrorism, climate change, and pandemics. However, the tariff issue has cast a shadow over the partnership, with both sides accusing each other of unfair trade practices.
The 50% tariff imposed by the US on Indian steel and aluminum is a major point of contention, with India accusing the US of unfairly targeting its steel and aluminum industries. The Indian government has retaliated by imposing tariffs on 28 US products, including almonds, apples, and motorcycles.
The tariff issue has not only affected trade between the two nations but has also strained diplomatic relations. The Indian government has been critical of the US’s decision to impose tariffs, accusing it of violating World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. The US, on the other hand, has argued that the tariffs are necessary to protect its domestic industries from what it claims is unfair competition from India.
Despite the tensions, Haley’s call for direct talks between Trump and Modi is a step in the right direction. The two leaders have a strong personal relationship, and their ability to work together is crucial to resolving the issues that have been plaguing the partnership.
In recent years, the US and India have made significant progress in their partnership, with the two nations signing several key agreements, including the India-US Comprehensive Trade Agreement and the India-US Defense Technology and Trade Initiative. The partnership has also been strengthened by the visit of Trump to India in February 2020, during which the two leaders discussed a range of issues, including trade, security, and climate change.
However, despite the progress made, the partnership remains fragile, and the tariff issue has the potential to derail it. Haley’s call for direct talks between Trump and Modi is, therefore, a welcome development, as it recognizes the importance of high-level engagement between the two leaders to resolve the issues that have been plaguing the partnership.
In conclusion, Haley’s call for direct talks between Trump and Modi is a step in the right direction, as it recognizes the importance of high-level engagement between the two leaders to resolve the issues that have been plaguing the partnership. The India-US partnership has the potential to be a powerful counterbalance to China’s growing influence in the region, and it is essential that the two nations work together to resolve the issues that have been plaguing the partnership.
