Former US Ambassador Nikki Haley has cautioned the Trump administration to increase commercial tension with India, and emphasized the strategic importance of the US-India partnership in combating China's influence in Asia. In an opinion article co-written with Bill Draxel for Newsweek, Hele described the present moment as a "worrying twist" in the US-India relations.

Helle acknowledged the legitimacy of American concerns over India's oil imports from Russia, but warned that instead of looking at India as an opponent, there would be "a big -and avoidance in law" of the partner. He stressed on India's ability to produce the same scale as China, particularly in areas such as textiles, cheap electronics, and solar panels, which emphasise for global supply chains.

With the Trump administration set to impose a 25% tariff on Indian goods and Russian oil trade, Haley urged a balanced approach that strengthens ties with India, a democratic combine in a region increasingly influenced by China.