WASHINGTON: Former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, in an opinion piece on Newsweek said that “scuttling 25 years of momentum” with New Delhi would be a “strategic disaster”, amid high tariffs imposed by US on Indian goods.
She cautioned that ties between Washington and New Delhi are near a breaking point, and said it was critical to get the relations back on track if America hopes to contain China’s growing global ambitions.
Haley’s commentary comes at a time when the United States has recently imposed hefty tariffs on Indian goods, with a 25 percent ad valorem duty announced earlier and an additional 25 percent tariff set to take effect from August 27, pushing the total to a formidable 50 percent. These measures have strained the relationship, which Haley warns is nearing a breaking point. She advocates for urgent diplomatic efforts to mend the rift, arguing that maintaining a strong partnership with India is critical for America’s strategic interests in the region.
In her piece, Haley underscores that a robust India-China partnership is a “no-brainer,” especially when contrasted with China’s authoritarian regime. She highlights that India’s rise as a democratic power does not pose the same threat to the free world as China’s expansionist ambitions. Instead, a democratic India can serve as a vital counterbalance to China’s growing dominance, particularly in Asia.
The former US ambassador further emphasizes that India’s economic and military potential makes it an indispensable partner for the US. She points out that India is on track to surpass Japan as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, positioning itself as a key player that could help the US reshore critical supply chains away from China. With manufacturing capabilities similar to China’s in sectors like textiles, electronics, and solar technology, India offers a promising alternative for the US, especially as it seeks to diversify and secure its supply networks.
Moreover, Haley highlighted India’s expanding influence in the Middle East, where its growing defense capabilities and diplomatic presence are crucial for regional stability. India’s strategic location, at the crossroads of China’s vital trade and energy routes, gives it leverage that could complicate Beijing’s options in any future conflict.
The former ambassador also points to the ongoing territorial disputes between India and China, notably recalling the 2020 Galwan Valley skirmish, and suggests these conflicts further underscore the importance of a strong US-India alliance. She argues that China’s ambitions to reshape the global order will inevitably face obstacles as India’s power continues to rise, thereby challenging Beijing’s regional and global goals.
Haley urges the US to prioritize reinvigorating its relationship with India, calling on President Donald Trump to engage directly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She advocates for high-level diplomacy and increased resources dedicated to the partnership—comparable to the US’s focus on China or Israel. Haley warns that allowing trade disputes to escalate could inadvertently benefit China, which is already taking advantage of the situation.
Agencies