Trump’s 50% Tariff Sparks Tension: Nikki Haley Calls for Stronger US-India Partnership

 

Nikki Haley Urges India to Rethink Russian Oil Ties Amid Trump’s Tariff Push

Former US ambassador to the UN and Republican leader Nikki Haley has called on India to take President Donald Trump’s concerns over Russian oil purchases “seriously,” stressing that Washington and New Delhi must work together to find a solution sooner rather than later.

Highlighting the long-standing bond between the world’s two largest democracies, Haley said this goodwill should serve as a strong foundation to navigate the turbulence in bilateral ties. “Decades of friendship and goodwill between the US and India provide a solid basis to move past the current challenges,” she said in a post on X.

Haley also tied the issue to the bigger geopolitical picture, noting that a strong partnership with India is crucial for America as it faces China. “Trade disagreements and Russian oil imports demand tough dialogue, but we cannot lose sight of what truly matters—our shared goals. To confront China, the United States must have India as a trusted partner,” she added.

This isn’t the first time Haley has pushed for closer ties. In an earlier op-ed co-written for Newsweek, she argued that India should be treated as a “prized free and democratic partner,” unlike China, which continues to buy Russian oil without facing US sanctions. She also pointed out India’s unique potential to help Washington reduce dependence on Chinese supply chains, especially in sectors like textiles, affordable smartphones, and solar panels.

On the Indian side, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has hit back strongly at Washington’s tariff policy. Speaking at The Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2025, Jaishankar called the US tariff “unjustified and unreasonable,” stressing that it was being wrongly framed as an oil issue. He emphasized that India has clear red lines and will not compromise on protecting its farmers and small producers.

Despite these frictions, Jaishankar noted that trade talks with Washington are still ongoing. “We are two big countries, conversations must continue. The lines are not cut, people are still talking, and we’ll see where it goes,” he said.

The strain in ties comes as Trump ramps up pressure with record tariffs. The US has already imposed a 25% tariff on Indian products, with another 25% set to take effect on August 27—this time linked to India’s energy imports from Russia. Together, the 50% tariff makes India the hardest-hit country under Trump’s trade policy.

Jaishankar also commented on Trump’s unorthodox style of diplomacy, noting that no US President has ever conducted foreign policy so publicly. “The application of tariffs in this manner, even outside of trade issues, is novel,” he said.

Jaishankar in Moscow: India Balances Energy, Trade, and Diplomacy with Russia and the U.S.

 

Jaishankar on U.S., India, and Russia: Energy, Trade, and Diplomacy in Focus

India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, recently made headlines during his visit to Moscow, where he met with President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to discuss a broad range of issues, from energy cooperation to trade and infrastructure. His comments also shed light on India’s delicate balancing act between major global powers amid evolving geopolitical tensions.

During the visit, Jaishankar addressed questions surrounding India’s energy strategy and its stance on Russian oil. He revealed that the United States had, in previous years, urged India to do “everything to stabilise” global energy markets—including purchasing oil from Russia. This, he noted, was aimed at ensuring stability in global energy supplies. At the same time, Jaishankar emphasized that India also imports oil from the U.S., and in fact, imports from the United States have been steadily increasing.

“This is a country where the Americans have repeatedly said we should do everything possible to stabilize the global energy market, including buying oil from Russia,” Jaishankar remarked. He added that India has carefully navigated these recommendations while safeguarding its own national interests, highlighting the pragmatic approach New Delhi takes in maintaining energy security.

Beyond energy, Jaishankar’s discussions with Russian leaders focused on strengthening India-Russia relations, which he described as “among the steadiest of the major relationships in the world after the Second World War.” Both sides explored ways to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of enhancing connectivity—both overland and maritime—between India and Russia, pointing out that improved infrastructure and logistics could facilitate greater trade and economic engagement.

He also touched on trade imbalances, noting that India sees opportunities to expand exports in sectors like pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and textiles. By diversifying exports to Russia, India aims not only to balance trade but also to open new avenues for growth in industries where it has a competitive edge.

Another pressing issue raised during the visit was the welfare of Indians involved in situations overseas. Jaishankar urged Russian authorities to expedite cases concerning Indians who had been fraudulently recruited to fight for the Russian Army in Ukraine, emphasizing India’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad.

Overall, Jaishankar’s visit underscores India’s nuanced approach to international diplomacy. While New Delhi maintains strong strategic ties with Russia, it also continues to cultivate relationships with the United States and other global partners. The discussions in Moscow highlight India’s efforts to safeguard its energy security, protect its citizens, and strengthen trade and infrastructure links—all while navigating a complex international landscape.

As global geopolitics remain fluid, India’s strategy reflects a careful balance of interests, combining pragmatism with long-term planning. The visit demonstrates that India is actively positioning itself as a reliable partner on the global stage, capable of engaging with multiple powers without compromising its own priorities.

“Quad Eyes Expansion: Japan Signals More Like-Minded Nations Could Join Strategic Alliance”

 “Quad Eyes Expansion: Japan Signals More Like-Minded Nations Could Join Strategic Alliance”

Recently, there has been an interesting development around the Quad, the strategic alliance between India, the United States, Japan, and Australia. A senior Japanese diplomat suggested that this grouping, often referred to as the Quad, could expand in the future to include more countries that share similar values and interests. This shows that the Quad is not a fixed club but rather an evolving framework that can adapt and grow over time.

This announcement comes shortly after the latest meeting of the Quad Foreign Ministers held in Washington D.C., where India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, was present. The meeting was an important step in the lead-up to the Quad leaders’ summit, which is scheduled to take place later this year in New Delhi. The diplomat’s remarks indicate that as the global geopolitical environment shifts, the Quad may become more inclusive, welcoming other nations that align with its core principles such as democracy, security cooperation, and economic development.

The Quad was initially formed as a strategic dialogue platform to address shared challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly around security issues, economic resilience, and infrastructure development. The four member countries have been working closely on various fronts, including maritime security, counterterrorism, and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific. Over the years, the Quad has gained prominence as a key mechanism for cooperation among democracies in the region.

The suggestion to possibly bring more “like-minded” countries into the Quad reflects an understanding that global challenges are complex and multifaceted, requiring broader collaboration. Although no specific countries were named, this move would likely depend on how potential new members’ values and strategic priorities align with the Quad’s existing framework. It’s clear that the Quad is seen as a flexible and adaptive platform rather than a rigid alliance.

The timing of these comments is significant. The Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Washington D.C. provided an opportunity for the member nations to review their progress and discuss future plans. Minister S Jaishankar’s presence underscored India’s strong commitment to the Quad and its growing role within this strategic grouping. India, as the host of the upcoming leaders’ summit, will play a crucial role in shaping the agenda and future direction of the Quad.

This evolving nature of the Quad can be viewed as a response to the changing dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region, where challenges such as territorial disputes, economic competition, and the need for resilient supply chains have become more pressing. By potentially expanding its membership, the Quad aims to strengthen its collective ability to address these issues effectively.

In summary, the Quad is no longer just a fixed alliance of four countries but is emerging as a dynamic and adaptable framework that may welcome other democracies sharing similar ideals. The recent comments from the Japanese diplomat and the recent Quad Foreign Ministers meeting highlight the growing significance of this grouping in maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. As the year progresses, the upcoming leaders’ summit in New Delhi will likely provide further clarity on the future path and possible expansion of the Quad.

BRICS or Bust? Why India Must Rethink Its Role in the Bloc

 BRICS or Bust? Why India Must Rethink Its Role in the Bloc

The 2025 BRICS Summit wrapped up in Rio de Janeiro last weekend with the usual fanfare and an exhausting 47-page, 126-paragraph declaration on all things global. For most people outside of diplomatic circles and think tanks, the sheer length and jargon-heavy content — full of phrases like “multipolar world”, “Global South”, “inclusive growth”, and “reformed global governance” — makes it all but unreadable.

Still, BRICS continues to draw both admiration and anxiety. Supporters hail it as a rising force to challenge Western dominance and reshape the global order. Critics, especially in the West, view it as a platform aimed squarely at undermining American influence. Unsurprisingly, U.S. President Donald Trump slammed the group yet again, branding it “anti-American” and threatening to hit its members with fresh tariffs — a 10% penalty for siding against U.S. interests.

But beyond the bluster and headlines, it’s time for India to seriously ask: Is BRICS still worth it?

Despite the lofty goals and grand language, BRICS remains riddled with contradictions. While it speaks of unity and reform, its members are often pulling in opposite directions. Ironically, the one leader who’s done the most to disrupt the existing world order isn’t in BRICS — it’s Trump. In just six months, he’s dismantled many of the foundational ideas that shaped U.S. foreign policy since World War II.

Take, for instance, the BRICS call to reform the Bretton Woods institutions like the IMF and World Bank. Trump is already doing that — not by working with BRICS, but by pushing his own agenda inside these institutions. While BRICS claims to defend the World Trade Organization (WTO), Trump is aggressively undermining it. And instead of a united BRICS front defending global trade rules, member nations are busy cutting their own separate deals with Washington. China has already signed a limited agreement. Vietnam, though not a BRICS member, has followed suit. India, too, has been in intense talks with the U.S., hoping to finalize a bilateral deal soon.

The idea that BRICS countries can shelve their rivalries and act as a united bloc against U.S. power is more fantasy than fact. For India, China is a much bigger strategic and economic concern than America. Saudi Arabia and the UAE, two new BRICS members, share deep suspicions of another member, Iran, over its nuclear ambitions — aligning more with the U.S. and Israel than with Tehran.

Meanwhile, the latest BRICS declaration offered no concrete response to the chaos Trump is creating on the world stage — just vague platitudes and recycled slogans.

India, one of the original architects of BRICS, has invested heavily — politically and diplomatically — in this forum over the past three decades. But the global landscape has changed. The motivations that once made BRICS attractive to India no longer hold. With India now preparing to take over the BRICS chair, this is the moment to pause and ask tough questions.

Is India truly benefiting from BRICS, or just clinging to outdated ideals in an increasingly fragmented world?