Title: Trump’s Tariffs Can Push India Closer to Russia & China: Ex-US NSA
In a recent statement, former US National Security Advisor John Bolton has criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 50% tariffs on India, warning that it could backfire and push India closer to Russia and China. This move, according to Bolton, jeopardizes decades of American efforts to bring India away from the influence of the two Asian giants.
The tariffs, which were imposed on June 1, are aimed at increasing the US trade deficit with India, which has been growing steadily over the past few years. The US has been unhappy with India’s trade practices, including its high tariffs on American goods, lack of intellectual property protection, and restrictions on foreign investment.
However, Bolton argues that the tariffs are a heavy-handed approach that could have unintended consequences. “Trump’s heavy-handed tariffs on India jeopardise decades of American efforts to bring India away from Russia and China,” he said in an interview.
India has been a key partner for the US in the Indo-Pacific region, and the two countries have been working closely together to counterbalance the growing influence of China. The US has been seeking to strengthen its ties with India, particularly in the areas of defense and trade, to create a more stable and secure region.
Bolton’s warning comes at a time when India is already showing signs of increasing its ties with Russia and China. In recent years, India has been diversifying its foreign policy and increasing its engagement with other countries, including Russia and China.
In 2019, India and Russia signed a deal to supply Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets to the Indian Air Force, a move that was seen as a major boost to Russia’s defense industry. India has also been increasing its cooperation with China, particularly in the areas of trade and infrastructure development.
Moreover, India has been seeking to reduce its dependence on the US in terms of defense and technology, and has been exploring alternative sources, including Russia and China. This move is seen as a major shift in India’s foreign policy, and could have significant implications for the US-India relationship.
Bolton’s warning is not the only one. Other experts have also been cautioning against the US tariffs, saying that they could have unintended consequences and hurt the US-India relationship. “The tariffs could lead to a trade war between the US and India, which would be detrimental to both countries,” said an expert from the Brookings Institution.
The US-India relationship has been growing steadily over the past few years, and the two countries have been working closely together on a range of issues, including defense, trade, and climate change. The US has been seeking to strengthen its ties with India, particularly in the areas of defense and trade, to create a more stable and secure region.
In recent years, the US and India have been increasing their defense cooperation, particularly in the areas of fighter jets and drones. The US has also been seeking to increase its trade with India, particularly in the areas of pharmaceuticals and technology.
However, the tariffs could hinder this progress and create tensions between the two countries. “The tariffs could lead to a backlash from India, and could hurt the US-India relationship,” said an expert from the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
In conclusion, the US tariffs on India could have unintended consequences and push India closer to Russia and China. The US should reconsider its approach and work with India to find a solution that benefits both countries.
