Daijiworld Media Network- Washington

Washington, Aug 21: Former US Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, has strongly advised President Donald Trump to treat India as a “prized free and democratic partner” rather than allow trade disputes to derail a vital strategic alliance.

In an opinion piece published in Newsweek, Haley cautioned that “scuttling 25 years of momentum” between New Delhi and Washington would amount to a “strategic disaster,” especially at a time when China’s influence is rapidly expanding.

Haley underlined that unlike Communist-controlled China, the rise of democratic India poses no threat to the free world. “Partnership between the US and India to counter China should be a no-brainer,” she wrote, stressing that India alone has the capacity to act as a counterweight to Beijing in Asia.

The Republican leader highlighted India’s vast manufacturing potential, stating that the country can produce at a scale comparable to China for goods such as textiles, solar panels, and inexpensive phones—products critical to restructuring US supply chains away from Chinese dependence. She further pointed to India’s growing defence capabilities and its deepening involvement in the Middle East as “essential” to regional stability, especially as Washington seeks to reduce its military presence.

Calling India the “world’s fastest-growing major economy,” Haley said its rise represents the “greatest obstacle to China’s ambition of reshaping the global order.” She recalled the 2020 Galwan Valley clash to underline India’s tense and often hostile ties with Beijing, noting that closer US-India cooperation would strengthen New Delhi’s ability to stand up to its northern neighbour.

Haley warned that any trade friction must not be allowed to balloon into a permanent rupture, as it could give China an opening to exploit. She urged India to take President Trump’s concerns over Russian oil imports seriously, but also pressed the US administration to prioritise high-level engagement with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“The administration should reverse the downward spiral and mend the rift with India—the sooner the better,” she said, adding that Washington must devote to New Delhi the same attention and resources it extends to China or Israel.

Concluding her appeal, Haley said: “The United States must not lose sight of our shared goals. To face China, America must have a steadfast friend in India.”