Republican leader Nikki Haley has criticised US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose steep tariffs on Indian goods, warning that such a move could undermine a crucial strategic partnership. The former UN Ambassador urged the White House to avoid alienating India while offering tariff relief to China, which she described as an adversary and the leading buyer of Russian and Iranian oil.In one of the sharpest Republican responses to Donald Trump’s evolving trade position on India, Haley posted on X (formerly Twitter), “India should not be buying oil from Russia. But China, an adversary and the number one buyer of Russian and Iranian oil, got a 90-day tariff pause.”
She added, “Don’t give China a pass and burn a relationship with a strong ally like India.”
Haley’s remarks followed Trump’s recent statement warning of a “very substantial” increase in tariffs on Indian goods within 24 hours, citing India’s continued imports of Russian crude. In an interview with CNBC, Trump claimed the US does “little business with India” while India does “a lot of business with us.”Earlier, in a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump alleged that India was purchasing “massive amounts of Russian oil” and reselling it on the open market for profit, despite the war in Ukraine.
She added, “Don’t give China a pass and burn a relationship with a strong ally like India.”
Haley’s remarks followed Trump’s recent statement warning of a “very substantial” increase in tariffs on Indian goods within 24 hours, citing India’s continued imports of Russian crude. In an interview with CNBC, Trump claimed the US does “little business with India” while India does “a lot of business with us.”Earlier, in a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump alleged that India was purchasing “massive amounts of Russian oil” and reselling it on the open market for profit, despite the war in Ukraine.
India hits back at Donald Trump’s tariffs
India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a firm response, calling Trump’s characterisation “politically motivated” and “unjustified.” The ministry said India’s increased procurement of Russian oil was a strategic decision, necessitated by changes in global supply chains after traditional Western suppliers redirected exports to Europe following the Ukraine conflict.
“The United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets’ stability,” the MEA said.
