Nikki Haley, former US Ambassador to the United Nations, on Tuesday (August 5) criticised the Trump administration for what she called a double standard in its approach to oil trade with Russia, warning against straining US-India ties.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Haley said, “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.”
Haley, who became the first Indian-American to serve in a cabinet-level position in the US, had launched her 2024 Presidential campaign in 2023 before dropping out in March 2024.
Trump had just asserted that India is “not a good trading partner” and vowed to slap the country with sharply higher tariffs within 24 hours, accusing India of buying Russian oil and “fueling” the Kremlin’s war machine.
India refuses to yield as Trump prepares new tariff blitz
Last week, Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian imports in response to India’s significant purchases of discounted Russian oil. Later, he escalated the threat, saying he would “substantially raise” tariffs beyond the initial 25% due to what he called India’s import of of Russian crude.
Despite the warnings, India has stood its ground and signaled it will continue sourcing oil from Russia.
Haley’s comment comes amid the Trump administration considering a temporary pause on tariffs affecting China despite its oil imports. The move has drawn criticism from Haley who argue it sends the wrong message to strategic partner like India and emboldens China.
US, China eye extension of 90-day tariff truce after Stockholm talks
On July 29, US and Chinese officials agreed to pursue an extension of their 90-day tariff truce after two days of what both sides called constructive trade talks in Stockholm. While no major breakthroughs were made, US officials said the decision to extend the truce—set to expire on August 12—now rests with President Donald Trump, who could allow tariffs to surge to triple-digit levels if no deal is reached.
Earlier in May, both the US and China had stepped back from implementing massive tariffs that would have effectively triggered a bilateral trade embargo.
Earlier in May, both the US and China had stepped back from implementing massive tariffs that would have effectively triggered a bilateral trade embargo. The current agreement has capped tariffs at 30% on Chinese goods entering the US.
After months of threatening steep tariffs, Trump has since brokered trade agreements with the EU, Japan, Indonesia, and others.
