Take Trump’s views on Russian oil seriously, Nikki Haley tells India

US ambassador and Republican leader Nikki Haley has called on India to take Donald Trump’s concerns about Russian oil imports seriously. She said New Delhi should work with Washington to resolve the matter quickly, stressing that trade disputes and oil purchases need frank talks between the two countries.

Haley’s Article and Trump’s Tariffs

Haley shared a part of her opinion piece published in Newsweek last week, at a time when ties between India and the US are strained after Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods. She has faced criticism from some within her party for showing support to India while tariffs remain a sticking point. In her article, Haley wrote that Trump is right to question India’s large-scale purchase of Russian oil, which she said indirectly helps finance Russia’s war in Ukraine.

India as a Trusted Partner

Haley also insisted that India should be regarded as an important and trusted partner. She said India is a “free and democratic partner” and cannot be compared with China, which the US sees as a rival. Highlighting decades of friendship between India and America, she said this bond gives both nations a strong foundation to move past present disputes. Haley stressed that the US and India must stay committed to their shared goals, adding that America relies on India’s partnership to stand against China.

India’s Role in Global Manufacturing

Haley noted that India is uniquely positioned to manufacture goods at the same scale as China. She said this capacity is crucial, especially for products that cannot be quickly or cheaply produced in the US. Her article emphasised that building on this strength is in the interest of both nations. Haley, who once served as US Ambassador to the United Nations under Trump’s administration, became the first Indian-American to hold a cabinet-level post in Washington. She had also entered the 2024 presidential race but stepped out in March last year.

India’s Stand on Russian Oil

Trump has increased tariffs on Indian imports to 50%, including an extra 25% duty on India’s purchase of Russian crude oil, which will apply from August 27. India, however, has defended its decision to buy Russian oil, saying its energy policies are guided by national needs and market conditions. After Western nations imposed sanctions on Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, India began purchasing Russian oil at discounted prices. Officials in New Delhi have stressed that buying Russian oil is essential to protect India’s energy security.