India's Rise Doesn't Threaten Free World, Unlike China: Nikki Haley Urges Trump To Reverse Strain In Ties

Nikki Haley calls for enhanced US-India relations as a strategic move against China's growing influence. She highlights India's manufacturing potential and economic growth, urging collaboration to tackle trade tensions and territorial disputes with China.

Nikki Haley, former US Ambassador to the United Nations, has urged the US to strengthen ties with India, warning the Trump administration that undermining decades of progress in relations would be a "strategic disaster."

In a latest opinion piece for Newsweek, the former US Ambassador to the United Nations stressed the importance of treating India as a key democratic ally to counter China's influence. She highlighted that India's democratic rise poses no threat to the free world, unlike communist-controlled China.

"India must be treated like the prized free and democratic partner that it is--not an adversary like China, which has thus far avoided sanctions for its Russian oil purchases, despite being one of Moscow's largest customers. If that disparity does not demand a closer look at U.S.-India relations, the realities of hard power should. Scuttling 25 years of momentum with the only country that can serve as a counterweight to Chinese dominance in Asia would be a strategic disaster," ANI quoted Nikki Haley as stating said in her opinion piece on Newsweek.

"Unlike Communist-controlled China, the rise of a democratic India does not threaten the free world. Partnership between the U.S. and India to counter China should be a no-brainer," she added.

India's Manufacturing Potential

The former ambassador noted India's potential to manufacture on a scale similar to China's. This capability could help the US shift its critical supply chains away from Beijing. She mentioned products like textiles and solar panels that India could produce efficiently. Haley also pointed out India's growing defence capabilities and its role in stabilising the Middle East.

She emphasised India's strategic location at the heart of China's trade and energy routes. This position could complicate Beijing's options during major conflicts. Haley remarked on India's expanding influence in the Middle East, which could be vital as America reduces its military presence there.

Economic Growth and Challenges

Haley highlighted India's rapid economic growth, noting it is set to surpass Japan soon. She described this rise as one of the greatest challenges to China's ambitions of reshaping global order. "Simply put, China's ambitions will have to shrink as India's power grows," she added.

She also addressed India's ongoing territorial disputes with China, referencing the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. Haley suggested that partnering with the US would benefit both nations by helping India confront its aggressive northern neighbour economically and militarily.

Trade Tensions and Diplomatic Solutions

The opinion piece also touched on trade tensions between the US and India. Haley cautioned against escalating these into long-term issues, warning that China might exploit such situations. She urged India to consider President Trump's stance on Russian oil seriously and collaborate with Washington for solutions.

Haley advised Trump to engage directly with Prime Minister Modi to mend relations swiftly. "The sooner the better," she said, advocating for more high-level attention and resources towards India akin to what is devoted to China or Israel.

This discussion follows the US imposing an ad valorem duty of 25% on Indian goods, with an additional 25% tariff set for August 27, raising total duties to 50%. Despite these tensions, Haley underscored shared goals between the US and India in facing China together.