Washington: Former US Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, stressed the need of restoring the US-India relationship to offset China, saying, "Unlike Communist China, the growth of a democratic India does not pose a danger to the free world. "
A partnership between the United States and India to oppose China should be a no-brainer. According to her, supporting India in confronting China would benefit America.
Haley coauthored an op-ed with Bill Drexel of the Hudson Institute, recalling how "President Ronald Reagan greeted Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to a state dinner at the White House in July 1982. " Toasting to the friendship between our 'two proud, free peoples,' he said: 'although our countries may walk different ways from time to time, our destination remains the same. '
Haley emphasized that the US-India relationship is at a difficult inflection point and that few goals are more important than restoring it in order to accomplish the Trump administration's foreign policy goals, which include outcompeting China and achieving peace through strength.
She believes Trump is correct to focus on India's enormous imports of Russian oil, which are assisting to finance Vladimir Putin's savage war on Ukraine. India has historically been one of the world's most protectionist nations, with an average tariff rate in 2023 more than five times that of the United States. However, India should be treated as the valued free and democratic partner that it is, not as an opponent like China.
Haley highlighted India's strategic position, saying, "In the near term, India is critical in assisting the United States in shifting its important supply networks away from China... " India is unique in its ability to produce goods at a China-like scale that cannot be quickly or efficiently produced here, such as textiles, low-cost phones, and solar panels.
She also stated that India's growing military connections with the United States, Israel, and other American allies make it a vital component to the free world's security, as well as a rapidly developing market for US defence goods and cooperation... Furthermore, India's position at the crossroads of China's critical commerce and energy routes may limit Beijing's options in the event of a large crisis.
Haley emphasized India's long-term relevance, saying, India is home to more than a sixth of humanity and surpassed China as the world's most populous country in 2023, with a young workforce that contrasts with China's aging one. It is the world's fastest-growing major economy, and it will soon overtake Japan as the world's fourth biggest. Simply put, as India's power grows, China's goals will have to scale.
She emphasized that India and China are hostile neighbors with distinct economic interests and continuing territorial conflicts, including a lethal battle over disputed borders as recently as 2020. It would benefit the United States to assist India in resisting its progressively aggressive northern neighbour, both economically and militarily. The sooner, the better.
Haley advocated for direct involvement, stating, "The most critical priority should be to reverse the downward spiral, which will require direct talks between President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi... The United States should not lose sight of what counts most: our shared goals. " To confront China, the United States needs a friend in India.
She and Drexel emphasized that decades of friendship and goodwill between the world's two largest democracies create a strong platform for overcoming current turmoil... Navigating difficult issues such as trade disputes and Russian oil imports requires tough debate, but difficult talks are frequently the sign of a deeper connection.
