In a sharp critique of current U.S. foreign policy, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has accused the Biden administration of appeasing China while undermining a reliable partner like India. Her remarks, delivered during a recent media interaction, underscore growing Republican dissatisfaction over Washington's stance on China’s energy trade and its strategic indecision regarding India.

“India should not be buying oil from Russia,” Haley said, “but let’s not pretend China isn’t worse. China is an adversary, and the number one buyer of Russian and Iranian oil. Yet, they got a 90-day tariff pause.”

Haley’s argument: India is a trusted ally, China is not

Nikki Haley’s comments reflect a broader conservative argument for realigning U.S. strategic partnerships. As a Republican presidential hopeful and former diplomat, she emphasised that India has long proven itself as a democratic partner and should be rewarded with stronger bilateral support, not criticism.

Haley urged the U.S. to “burn its relationship with China”, accusing Beijing of continuing hostile activities across the globe, including massive imports of sanctioned oil from Russia and Iran, military aggression in the Indo-Pacific, and cyber-espionage against U.S. interests.

In contrast, she noted that India’s limited oil trade with Russia should not be seen as betrayal but as a strategic compulsion during a volatile energy crisis, especially given India’s dependence on affordable energy sources to sustain its 1.4 billion population.

Double standards and the China tariff pause

The most stinging part of Haley’s statement was her criticism of the Biden administration’s decision to pause tariffs on Chinese goods for 90 days—a move that, according to her, incentivises Chinese aggression and undermines U.S. credibility.

“India is being pushed into a corner for buying oil from Russia under necessity,” she argued, “but China continues to fund Russia’s war and Iran’s militias, and what do they get? A break.”

This, according to Haley, exposes Washington’s double standards. She suggested that penalising India while letting China off the hook sends the wrong message to both adversaries and allies.

India’s energy diplomacy under scrutiny

India has repeatedly stated that its purchase of Russian oil is a matter of national interest and energy security, not ideology. Indian officials have also pointed out that New Delhi follows international law and abides by sanctions imposed by the United Nations, not unilateral restrictions.

Over the last year, India has emerged as a significant importer of discounted Russian crude, helping contain domestic inflation and ensure energy supply. However, India has also increased its purchases of U.S. and Gulf oil, demonstrating a balanced and diversified energy policy.

Haley’s remarks reinforce the idea that India's actions are based on sovereign necessity, not geopolitical alignment with Moscow.

China’s expanding oil imports and global influence

China, on the other hand, has been the largest buyer of Russian crude since the Ukraine invasion and has strengthened its energy ties with Iran, despite U.S. sanctions. Beijing’s petro-yuan deals, energy investments in Africa and Central Asia, and control over rare earth supply chains have all raised concerns among Western policymakers.

Yet, despite these aggressive postures, China was granted a 90-day pause in tariffs, a move seen as an olive branch ahead of potential trade negotiations or in response to global economic concerns.

To Haley and her supporters, this amounts to rewarding bad behaviour.

Push for strategic clarity in Indo-Pacific policy

Haley’s remarks are not isolated. Many U.S. lawmakers, including members of both Republican and Democratic parties, have called for a stronger, more consistent Indo-Pacific strategy that places India at the centre of America’s regional goals.

India is a member of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) along with the U.S., Japan, and Australia. It is increasingly seen as a counterweight to China in the region, especially amid rising tensions in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.

Haley’s comments highlight the importance of clarity in America’s strategic messaging—something analysts say has been muddled by inconsistent treatment of partners and rivals.

Conclusion: An appeal for loyalty-based diplomacy

With the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaching, Nikki Haley’s comments are both policy-driven and politically motivated. However, they tap into a growing sentiment in Washington that India deserves more trust and fewer lectures.

As Haley put it, “Allies must be treated like allies. You don’t punish the ones who stand with you, while excusing those who work against you every single day.”

Whether the Biden administration reconsiders its stance on India’s energy policy remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the debate over China, India, and American loyalty is only heating up.

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