Former US Ambassador to the United Nations and Republican presidential contender Nikki Haley has spoken out in defence of India as trade tensions between Washington and New Delhi intensify.
On Tuesday, Haley took to X to criticise what she called a “double standard” in the Trump administration’s trade approach.
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. Don’t give China a pass and burn a relationship with a strong ally like India,” she wrote in a satirical social media post.
Her remarks came hours after President Donald Trump warned he would raise tariffs on India “substantially in the next 24 hours” over New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil amid the Ukraine war.
Who Is Nikki Haley?
Before stepping onto the global stage, Haley served as the Governor of South Carolina. She oversaw more than 67,000 employees and managed a $26 billion budget.
During her tenure, the state created over 85,000 jobs across all 46 counties, pushing the unemployment rate to a 15-year low. She actively sought foreign investment, travelling extensively, including to India.
READ MORE: Tariffs on India’s Russian Oil Imports a “Big Blow” to Russia, Says Trump | Watch
Haley’s leadership during crises — such as the Charleston church attack and a historic flood — earned her a reputation for steady governance.
In 2015, she became the first US governor to sign legislation opposing the anti-Israel BDS movement. She also opposed relocating Guantanamo Bay detainees to US soil.
From Bamberg to the World Stage
Born to Indian immigrant parents in Bamberg, South Carolina, Haley began working at her family’s clothing store at 13. She later graduated from Clemson University.
Her small-town roots, analysts say, shape her no-nonsense political style. These grassroots beginnings, combined with executive experience, gave her a unique edge in diplomacy and international relations.
Another Angle: Haley’s Pro-India Stance as a Political Asset
Haley’s support for India is a calculated political maneuver as much as a policy declaration. She may improve her reputation both at home and abroad by presenting herself as a supporter of the partnership, given the growing influence of Indian-American voters and the strategic significance of the US-India relationship.
Her past engagements with India, business outreach as governor, and outspoken criticism of China align with her narrative of prioritising strong alliances.
Haley is portraying herself as a leader who will hold enemies accountable while fostering dependable relationships by comparing Trump’s tariff threats with what she sees as compassion toward Beijing.
