New Delhi: Former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has sharply criticised Donald Trump’s stance on India, urging that New Delhi be treated as a “prized free and democratic partner” rather than as an adversary like China.
Haley warned that undoing decades of efforts to strengthen US–India ties would amount to a “strategic disaster.” She argued that while Communist-controlled China poses a direct challenge to the free world, India’s rise bolsters global stability.
“Unlike China, India’s growing influence does not threaten the free world. A strong US–India partnership to counter Beijing should be a no-brainer,” she said, adding that New Delhi is uniquely positioned to manufacture at scale and help the US shift critical supply chains away from China.
Haley also highlighted India’s strategic role in the Middle East, noting that its growing economic and security influence could help stabilise the region as Washington reduces its military presence there. She stressed that India’s geographical position along China’s key trade and energy routes further strengthens its role as a counterweight to Beijing.
On the issue of Russian oil imports, she advised India to engage constructively with Washington while calling on Trump to “reverse the downward spiral” in relations. She urged him to hold direct talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and give the relationship greater high-level focus and resources.
Haley’s remarks come against the backdrop of recent tensions after Trump announced 50% tariffs on India for continuing to import Russian oil, even as China the largest buyer of Russian energy faced no such penalties.
