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Former US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has urged India to take Donald Trump’s concerns over Russian oil imports seriously and work closely with the White House to protect ties between the two countries.
“The sooner the better,” Haley wrote on X, stressing that decades of friendship between the world’s two largest democracies should not be wasted. She argued that Washington needs India as a strong partner to counter China’s influence in Asia.
Haley has been outspoken against Trump’s recent approach to India, saying New Delhi should be treated as a “prized free and democratic partner” rather than an “adversary” like Beijing. She warned that undermining 25 years of progress in US-India ties would be a “strategic disaster.”
In an opinion piece for Newsweek, Haley questioned why India is being singled out for Russian oil purchases while China, one of Moscow’s largest customers, has so far avoided sanctions. She said Washington must recognize India’s strategic importance, particularly in helping diversify global supply chains away from China.
Tensions between New Delhi and Washington have grown after Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 percent, with an extra 25 percent duty tied directly to India’s purchases of Russian crude.
Responding to these criticisms, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar pushed back strongly. Speaking at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum, he dismissed accusations that India is “profiteering” by buying cheap Russian oil and selling refined products abroad.
“It’s funny to have people in a pro-business American administration accuse others of doing business,” Jaishankar said. “If you have a problem buying oil or refined products from India, don’t buy it. Nobody is forcing you. But Europe buys, America buys. So if you don’t like it, don’t buy it.”