Nikki Haley Warns U.S. Against Hurting Ties with India Amid Trump’s Tariff Threats

International News: Indian- American leader Nikki Haley, a senior Republican and former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, has warned the U.S. government not to damage its relationship with India. Her remarks come after President Donald Trump criticized India over trade and oil imports from Russia.

Haley, who once ran for the 2024 presidential race, posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, saying that while India shouldn’t be buying oil from Russia, it is unfair that China, America’s major rival, is being given tariff relief for 90 days, even though it is the largest buyer of Russian and Iranian oil.

China Gets Tariff Break, India Faces Threats

Haley pointed out that China, despite being a threat to the U.S., has been given a break from American import duties, while a close ally like India is being targeted. She said the U.S. should not allow such double standards and must treat its partners fairly.

She added that India is a strong and reliable partner, and Washington should strengthen, not weaken, this partnership.

Trump Plans to Hike Tariffs on India

On the same day, Donald Trump said in a TV interview that he was planning to increase tariffs on Indian goods within the next 24 hours. He claimed that India is buying large quantities of cheap Russian oil and then selling it in global markets at high profits.

He accused India of helping fund Russia’s war against Ukraine and said that if India keeps doing this, the U.S. will respond by raising tariffs.

Trump also said that India’s existing import tariffs are too high, which makes trade unfair. However, he did not share the exact new tariff rates he plans to implement.

India Reacts to Trump’s Accusations

India quickly responded to Trump’s comments. A statement from the Ministry of External Affairs said that blaming India is not right and that the government will take all steps needed to protect the country’s interests and economic stability.

India made it clear that its energy policy is based on national needs and that it will continue to make independent decisions about trade and oil imports.

Background on the Tariff Deal with China

Recently, a report from Al Jazeera revealed that the U.S. and China agreed to a 90-day tariff pause. During this time, U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods were reduced from 145% to 30%, and China cut its tariffs from 125% to 10%. Haley questioned why such concessions were made to China, which directly competes with the U.S., while India is being pushed into a corner.

Nikki Haley’s message is clear: America should support allies like India, not punish them. While India continues to defend its energy choices, Haley’s warning shows growing concern within U.S. politics about how the country is treating its friends versus its rivals. The coming days may see more statements and policy shifts as this issue gains attention.