Nikki Haley, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, has strongly criticized President Trump's approach to India, specifically his threat to impose "very substantial" tariffs on Indian goods due to the country's continued purchase of Russian oil. Haley characterized Trump's stance as potentially damaging to the U.S.-India relationship, which she considers a crucial alliance.

Haley voiced her concerns on social media, stating that while "India should not be buying oil from Russia," the U.S. should not give China a "pass" while simultaneously harming relations with a strong ally like India. She highlighted what she sees as a double standard, noting that China, an "adversary and the number one buyer of Russian and Iranian oil," received a 90-day tariff pause.

Trump's threat of increased tariffs on Indian goods stems from his view that India is "fuelling the war machine" by purchasing Russian oil. He stated his intent to raise tariffs, already at 25% since August 1, "very substantially now because of their Russian oil trade". Trump also mentioned that while India had offered to lower tariffs on U.S. goods to zero under a new deal, he deemed it insufficient, stating, "Zero tariffs aren't enough when they're helping fund a war we oppose".

India has defended its energy policy, asserting that its oil procurement is guided by national interests and that it has been unfairly targeted by the U.S. and the European Union. An Indian official stated that India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the start of the Ukraine conflict.

Haley has consistently advocated for stronger ties between the U.S. and India, emphasizing the importance of countering China's global influence through close partnerships with democratic nations in the Indo-Pacific region. She has also been a vocal critic of China, particularly regarding trade practices, fentanyl production, and human rights.

This criticism isn't the first time Haley has spoken out against what she perceives as preferential treatment towards China. She has previously criticized foreign aid policies that send money to "anti-American countries," including China, and has pledged to cut such aid if elected president. She has also called out China's human rights abuses.