The BRICS TimesFormer US National Security Advisor John Bolton has called Donald Trump’s anti-India tariff policy a failure. He said India broke no international law, yet Trump’s harsh stance damaged strategic ties between the two nations. Bolton warned that this mistake could cost America heavily in the future.
Trump’s Tariff Decision on India Sparks Backlash in US
Donald Trump’s tough tariff policy against India is now turning into a major setback for him. Anger over this decision is spreading across America, with critics emerging from within his own circle. Among the strongest voices is former US National Security Advisor John Bolton. He described Trump’s restrictions on India as “excessive and pointless.” According to Bolton, India did not violate any international law or sanction. Yet the Trump administration targeted Indian trade in a way that could backfire on US foreign policy and cause lasting harm.
Bolton Labels Trump’s Strategy a Complete Failure
In an interview with Times Radio, Bolton said America was partly responsible for pushing India toward Russian oil imports. When sanctions were imposed on Iran, Washington allowed its allies some exemptions and offered alternative energy sources. But India received no such option. “We could have stopped India from depending on Russian energy, but we missed that chance,” he admitted. Bolton stressed that Trump’s aggressive policy pushed India closer to Moscow. As a result, years of efforts to strengthen US-India strategic ties suffered serious damage. He added that by targeting the entire Indian economy, Trump had weakened America’s own interests.
India Followed Global Rules on Russian Oil
Bolton made it clear that India never broke any international law while purchasing Russian oil and gas. He explained that Indian firms buy Russian oil at prices below the European Union’s price cap, refine it, and then sell it in global markets. “This process is fully legal,” Bolton stated. He further argued that the real weakness lay with America and Europe, who wanted to reduce Russian oil sales gradually without pushing global prices higher. This approach gave India an economic opportunity, but it did not amount to any wrongdoing.
Warning of Long-Term Costs for US
Bolton warned that Trump’s failed strategy could prove costly for America in the coming years. He pointed out that with Russia and China growing closer, it is vital to keep India balanced. If India tilts further toward Russia, Washington’s long-term strategic interests will face serious harm. “We lost the chance to convince India, and now it depends more on Russian energy. This mistake may cost us heavily in the future,” he said firmly.
Trump Softens Stance, Calls Modi a “Good Friend”
Faced with India’s sharp response and rising criticism at home, Donald Trump has now shifted his tone. Moving away from his earlier hardline approach, Trump recently called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “good friend.” He mentioned that trade talks between the two countries are progressing and expressed his eagerness to meet Modi personally. Trump also emphasized that both nations are working toward resolving trade barriers. His changed attitude reflects growing pressure within the US and India’s strong pushback, which forced him to adopt a softer stand.
