Bolton: Trump’s India Tariffs Hinder Negotiations, Call for Reduced Tariffs and Dialogue

John Bolton, former US National Security Advisor, criticized President Donald Trump’s imposition of high tariffs against India, arguing that the action has made negotiations more challenging. He said the high tariff policy on India is a mistake and that the tariffs should be lowered as talks progress towards a deal. Bolton emphasized the need for the Trump administration to reduce the tariffs while holding discussions with India. Bolton also criticized the Trump administration for the additional 25% tariff placed on India due to its purchase of Russian oil. He noted that China has not been penalized, even though China’s imports of oil and gas from Russia are higher. Regarding the US-India relationship, Bolton advised that the Indian government should view Trump as a specific case and act in its national interest. He said that the Indian government should understand Trump’s approach as unique to him, not reflecting broader American views. Bolton criticized Trump’s foreign policy style, stating that it lacks a comprehensive national security strategy and is very transactional. Bolton stated that trade frictions, including those related to tariffs on Indian energy purchases, have contributed to tension.