Former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has warned that growing tariff disputes between Washington and New Delhi could derail decades of progress in India-US relations.

In a Newsweek opinion piece, Haley criticized the Trump administration’s decision to impose a 25% tariff on Indian goods over its continued imports of Russian oil, warning that treating India like China would be a “preventable mistake.” She stressed that India is a vital democratic partner and key to countering China’s global ambitions.

Haley argued that scuttling 25 years of momentum could damage the US’s strategic edge. She highlighted India’s role in diversifying supply chains, its expanding defense ties with US allies, and its growing influence in the Middle East as reasons for strengthening the partnership.

She also underscored India’s demographic and economic rise, noting that its young workforce and status as the world’s most populous country make it central to global stability.

“India must be treated like the prized partner that it is,” Haley wrote, adding that penalizing New Delhi while sparing Beijing sends the wrong signal.

Despite endorsing Trump for 2024, Haley has frequently called out policies she sees as undermining US strategic interests. Her latest warning comes as India prepares for the impact of new US tariffs set to take effect on August 27, affecting nearly $50 billion worth of exports.