Nikki Haley, former US Ambassador to the United Nations, has urged President Trump to view India as a "prized free, democratic" partner, emphasizing the critical role of this relationship in countering China's growing influence. In an opinion piece published in Newsweek, Haley underscored the strategic importance of the US-India alliance, cautioning against allowing trade disputes and disagreements over Russian oil purchases to damage the strong ties developed over the past 25 years.

Haley stressed that undermining the US-India relationship would be a "strategic disaster," particularly as the United States seeks to counter China's dominance in Asia. She argued that a strong, democratic India is a natural ally for the US, especially given the contrast with "Communist-controlled China". She has previously stated that partnership between the U.S. and India to counter China should be a "no-brainer".

Haley acknowledged the concerns surrounding India's purchase of Russian oil, which she noted is helping to fund Russia's war against Ukraine. However, she cautioned against treating India as an adversary. She also pointed out that China, a major adversary of the U.S., is also a significant buyer of Russian and Iranian oil, and has been given a "90-day tariff pause". She urged the Trump administration to avoid giving China a "pass" while harming relations with a strong ally like India.

The former UN ambassador highlighted India's potential to serve as a crucial alternative to China in global supply chains. As the US aims to diversify its supply sources, India possesses the manufacturing capacity on a scale comparable to China in industries like textiles, phones, and solar panels. This makes India an attractive partner for reducing reliance on China.

Furthermore, Haley emphasized India's growing defense ties with the United States and its allies, such as Israel, positioning it as a "crucial asset to the free world's security". She also suggested that India's rise on the global stage could be the most significant geopolitical development since China's economic ascent. According to Haley, as India's power grows, China's ambitions will naturally be curtailed.

Amidst escalating tensions over tariffs and trade, Haley advised India to take President Trump's concerns regarding Russian oil seriously and collaborate with the White House to find a resolution. She also urged President Trump to take immediate action to "reverse the downward spiral" in relations and engage in direct talks with Prime Minister Modi. "The sooner the better," she stated. In light of Trump's threats to impose substantial tariffs on India for its continued purchase of Russian oil, Haley's intervention serves as a reminder of the long-term strategic interests at stake in the US-India relationship.