India distrusts US leadership; keeping close ties with Russia wise: Nikki Haley

Aspiring Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley said on Wednesday that India wants to be a partner of the United States but currently they do not trust Americans to lead. The Indian-American presidential candidate also said New Delhi is acting smart in the current global situation and maintaining close ties with Russia. Haley, 51, told Fox Business News that India currently views the United States as weak.

“I’ve dealt with India, too. I have to say, I’ve dealt with India, too. I’ve talked to Modi. India wants to be a partner with us. They don’t want to be a partner with Russia,” she said.

“The problem is, India doesn’t believe we will win. They don’t trust our leadership. They see now that we are weak. India has always acted smart. They act smart and have close ties with Russia because they get a lot from Russia Military equipment,” she said in response to a question.

“When we start to lead again, when we start to overcome our weaknesses and stop burying our heads in the sand, then our friends, India, Australia, New Zealand, all those countries – and Israel, Japan, South Korea – will – — all of them want to do it. Haley said Japan has given itself billions of dollars in stimulus to reduce its dependence on China. “India has given itself billions in stimulus to reduce its dependence on China. China’s dependence,” she told Fox Business News, adding that the United States needed to start building alliances.

Haley said that China’s economy is in poor condition and it is preparing for war with the United States. “Financially, they’re not doing well. You see their government has become more controlling. They’ve been preparing for a war with us for years. That’s their mistake,” she said.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from associated news agency – PTI)