Indian-American Republican leader Nikki Haley has urged former US President Donald Trump not to jeopardize Washington’s relationship with India while seemingly appeasing China. Her remarks follow Trump’s sharp criticism of New Delhi over its continued imports of Russian crude oil and his announcement of steep tariffs on Indian goods.

“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,” Haley posted on X. “Don’t give China a pass and burn a relationship with a strong ally like India.”

Haley, the former US Ambassador to the United Nations during Trump’s first term, highlighted the strategic significance of India, which she said should not be penalized at the expense of improving ties with China.

Trump had earlier said that India has not been a “good trading partner” and promised to “very substantially” raise tariffs within 24 hours due to India’s purchase of Russian oil, accusing it of “fueling” Russia’s war machine.

India responded swiftly and sharply, criticizing the US and European Union for what it called “unjustified and unreasonable” pressure over its oil trade with Moscow, reminding critics that its decisions are based on energy security and national interest.

Meanwhile, Trump struck a more conciliatory tone on China during an interview with CNBC, stating, “We’re getting along with China very well,” and hinting at a possible meeting with President Xi Jinping. He described his relationship with Xi as “great,” adding that both nations have mutual respect.

Haley’s comments underline growing concerns among US strategic circles over mixed messaging—punishing a key democratic partner like India while courting authoritarian rivals like China.

Indian-American Republican leader Nikki Haley has urged former US President Donald Trump not to jeopardize Washington’s relationship with India while seemingly appeasing China. Her remarks follow Trump’s sharp criticism of New Delhi over its continued imports of Russian crude oil and his announcement of steep tariffs on Indian goods.

“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,” Haley posted on X. “Don’t give China a pass and burn a relationship with a strong ally like India.”

Haley, the former US Ambassador to the United Nations during Trump’s first term, highlighted the strategic significance of India, which she said should not be penalized at the expense of improving ties with China.

Trump had earlier said that India has not been a “good trading partner” and promised to “very substantially” raise tariffs within 24 hours due to India’s purchase of Russian oil, accusing it of “fueling” Russia’s war machine.

India responded swiftly and sharply, criticizing the US and European Union for what it called “unjustified and unreasonable” pressure over its oil trade with Moscow, reminding critics that its decisions are based on energy security and national interest.

Meanwhile, Trump struck a more conciliatory tone on China during an interview with CNBC, stating, “We’re getting along with China very well,” and hinting at a possible meeting with President Xi Jinping. He described his relationship with Xi as “great,” adding that both nations have mutual respect.

Haley’s comments underline growing concerns among US strategic circles over mixed messaging—punishing a key democratic partner like India while courting authoritarian rivals like China.