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.