Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has urged U.S. President Donald Trump not to “burn a relationship” with India, one of America’s strongest allies. Haley, who served as Trump’s UN ambassador, backed India and criticized what she called leniency toward China, despite its close ties with Russia.
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.
— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) August 5, 2025
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. — Nikki Haley on X
Trump Threatens New Tariffs on India
Haley’s defense of India came shortly after Trump posted on Truth Social that he would issue a new tariff rate within 24 hours due to India’s ongoing purchase of Russian oil.
They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA. — Donald Trump on Truth Social
India Pushes Back Against U.S. and EU Pressure
India responded strongly, accusing both the U.S. and the European Union of “unjustified and unreasonable” targeting of its trade policy. Indian officials also highlighted the West’s own history of trade with Russia.
Russia Defends India, Rejects U.S. Trade Threats
On Tuesday, Russia backed India, pushing back against growing U.S. pressure on its trade allies.
We hear many statements that are in fact threats, attempts to force countries to cut trade relations with Russia. We do not consider such statements to be legal. — Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson
