‘Pushed Modi closer to Russia, China’: Ex-Donald Trump aide slams 50% India tariffs; flags setback in ties with US – The Times of India

Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton lashed out at US President Donald Trump on Thursday (local time) for deteriorating US-India relations through a 50% tariff imposition on India, which he claims has driven Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards Russia and China.“The White House has set US-India relations back decades, pushing Modi closer to Russia and China. Beijing has cast itself as an alternative to the US and Donald Trump,” Bolton wrote on X.

He criticised Trump’s tariff decisions, stating they have undermined decades of Western diplomatic efforts to distance India from its Cold War alliance with the former Soviet Union (Russia) and address China’s growing influence.

In multiple other social media posts on Monday (local time), Bolton had claimed Trump’s economic policies have compromised strategic achievements, whilst providing Chinese President Xi Jinping an opportunity to alter East Asian geopolitics.“The West has spent decades trying to wean India away from its Cold War attachment to the Soviet Union/ Russia, and cautioning India on the threat posed by China. Donald Trump has shredded decades of efforts with his disastrous tariff policy,” Bolton posted.“Donald Trump’s unwillingness to consider diplomatic moves in a larger strategic context has given Xi Jinping an opportunity to reset the East,” he added in another post.Bolton, who served as national security adviser (2018-19) under Trump’s first presidency, departed due to disagreements regarding the administration’s foreign policy approach.His observations coincide with New Delhi’s current challenges amid global economic uncertainty, following the US implementation of a 50% tariff on Indian imports, plus an additional 25% due to India’s Russian oil purchases.The statements followed the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Council summit in Tianjin, China, where Prime Minister Modi engaged with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping in bilateral discussions.According to a Ministry of External Affairs statement on Sunday, Modi and Xi Jinping acknowledged their nations’ roles in maintaining global trade stability during their meeting.In his discussion with Putin, PM Modi highlighted the robust India-Russia relationship, noting their consistent mutual support during challenging periods.The Prime Minister emphasised that collaboration between New Delhi and Moscow remains crucial for international peace, stability and prosperity. Meanwhile, Putin highlighted that this year commemorates the 15th anniversary of the India-Russia ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership’.