‘Don’t Burn...’: Nikki Haley Defends India, Cites China Tariff Pause After Trump Threat

Last Updated:August 05, 2025, 20:19 IST

Nikki Haley criticized Donald Trump's tariff threat on Indian goods, warning it could harm the US-India partnership.

Former US envoy to the UN Nikki Haley | File Image

Republican leader Nikki Haley criticised US President Donald Trump’s threat to sharply raise tariffs on Indian goods, warning that the move risks undermining a vital strategic partnership. The former UN Ambassador urged the White House not to alienate India, even as it offers tariff leniency to China- a country she described as an adversary and the leading purchaser of Russian and Iranian oil.

In the most pointed Republican criticism yet of Donald Trump’s escalating trade stance toward New Delhi, Nikki Haley wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “India should not be buying oil from Russia. But China, an adversary and the number one buyer of Russian and Iranian oil, got a 90-day tariff pause."

Nikki Haley, who has long positioned herself as both hawkish on Beijing and a proponent of India’s strategic rise, added, “Don’t give China a pass and burn a relationship with a strong ally like India."

Donald Trump’s Latest Warning To India

Nikki Haley’s remarks followed Donald Trump’s fresh warning that he intends to “very substantially" raise tariffs on Indian goods within 24 hours, citing New Delhi’s continued imports of Russian crude. Speaking to CNBC, Donald Trump claimed the United States does “little business with India" while India does “a lot of business with us."

Earlier, in a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Donald Trump accused India of buying “massive amounts of Russian oil" and reselling it on the open market for profit, despite the ongoing war in Ukraine.

India Hits Back At Donald Trump’s Tariffs 

The Ministry of External Affairs issued a strong rebuttal, calling Donald Trump’s characterisation “politically motivated" and “unjustified." The ministry said India’s increased purchases of Russian oil were a strategic necessity, made after traditional suppliers in the West diverted their exports to Europe following the outbreak of the Ukraine war.

“The United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets’ stability," the MEA said.

The statement also underscored that both the US and European nations continue to maintain substantial trade ties with Moscow. The MEA added that the US itself remains economically linked to Russia, importing uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear sector, palladium for electric vehicles and various fertilizers as well as industrial chemicals.

“Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security," the statement said.

Location :

Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published:

August 05, 2025, 20:16 IST

News world ‘Don’t Burn...’: Nikki Haley Defends India, Cites China Tariff Pause After Trump Threat

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