New Delhi: For a long time, there has been a rift in the relations between the US and India over tariffs. The situation has deteriorated so much that the US-India relations are on the verge of breaking. Former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has made it clear that US-India relations are on the verge of breaking.

She said that if the US wants to curb China’s growing ambitions, it will have to prioritise relations with India. In an article published in Newsweek on Wednesday (August 20, 2025), Haley wrote that the US should not ignore the most important thing that our target is China.

Controversy erupts over tariffs and Russian oil.

Haley’s reaction has come to the fore, which will shock everyone. Tensions have increased between the US and India over trade disputes and Russian oil imports. President Donald Trump has imposed a 25% reciprocal duty and an additional 25% tariff on India for continuing to buy Russian oil, which will come into effect from August 27. According to Haley, Russia is getting financial help for the Ukraine war because India purchases oil, but at the same time, she warned that treating India like an enemy would be a strategic mistake.

India’s big role in stopping China

According to Haley, India is the only country that can counter China’s dominance in Asia. India can manufacture on a scale like China, which can help America to meet its supply chain demand through India instead of China. India’s strong defence relations with countries like America and Israel make it important for the security of the world. Haley believes that in the coming times, India will weaken China’s ambitions.

Will there be a talk between Modi and Trump?

According to Haley, President Donald Trump and PM Narendra Modi should talk directly so that the misunderstandings between the two countries can be removed. If this does not happen, China will take advantage of this rift. In her article, Haley quoted a statement made by US President Ronald Reagan to Indira Gandhi in 1982.

The US and India may sometimes take different paths, but their destination should remain the same. Haley reiterated that it is important for the US to maintain a friendship with India to face the challenge of China.