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The remarks come at a time when India-US ties are strained after the Trump administration imposed secondary tariffs on New Delhi for continuing oil purchases from Russia.
Former US envoy to the UN Nikki Haley | File Image
Indian-American Republican leader Nikki Haley on Sunday advised New Delhi to take seriously US President Donald Trump’s concerns over Russian oil imports and move swiftly to address the matter with Washington.
She said the long-standing partnership between the two democracies should serve as the foundation to overcome recent trade frictions.
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“India must take Trump’s point over Russian oil seriously, and work with the White House to find a solution. The sooner the better,” Haley wrote in a post on X.
“Decades of friendship and good will between the world’s two largest democracies provide a solid basis to move past the current turbulence. Navigating issues like trade disagreements and Russian oil imports demands hard dialogue,” she added.
India must take Trump’s point over Russian oil seriously, and work with the White House to find a solution. The sooner the better.Decades of friendship and good will between the world’s two largest democracies provide a solid basis to move past the current turbulence.…
— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) August 23, 2025
Haley, who served as US Ambassador to the United Nations during Trump’s presidency, cautioned that while trade disagreements and energy ties with Moscow are serious, both nations must not lose sight of their larger strategic priorities.
“But, we should not lose sight of what matters most: our shared goals. To face China, the United States must have a friend in India,” she said.
The remarks come at a time when India-US ties are strained after the Trump administration imposed secondary tariffs on New Delhi for continuing oil purchases from Russia.
The levies, which now push duties on Indian exports to 50 per cent, are among the steepest Trump has announced apart from those against Brazil.
Reports also suggest friction over New Delhi’s rejection of Trump’s offer to mediate in its conflict with Pakistan.
India has strongly criticised the measures, calling them “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also pushed back, declaring that India would not compromise on the interests of its farmers and fishermen. “I know I will have to pay the price, but I am ready to do it for farmers,” he said.
Haley’s Warning In Context
Earlier, writing in Newsweek, Haley warned that relations between Washington and New Delhi were “near a breaking point” and stressed that rebuilding trust was essential if the US intended to counter Beijing’s growing global influence.
She argued that India should not be seen as an adversary akin to China and urged the Trump administration not to let disputes over tariffs or US involvement in India-Pakistan tensions derail the relationship.
With the dispute escalating, Haley’s intervention highlights growing concerns within the Republican camp that prolonged tensions could jeopardise a partnership both nations see as vital in balancing China’s influence.
About the Author
Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be…Read More
Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be… Read More
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