Trump’s Tariffs Can Push India Closer to Russia & China: Ex-US NSA
The ongoing trade tensions between the United States and India have taken a new turn, with former US National Security Advisor John Bolton warning that President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 50% tariffs on India could backfire and push India closer to Russia and China.
In an article published in News18, Bolton, who served as the National Security Advisor under President Trump from 2018 to 2019, expressed his concerns over the impact of the tariffs on India. According to Bolton, Trump’s “heavy-handed” tariffs on India jeopardize decades of American efforts to bring India away from Russia and China.
Bolton’s warning comes at a time when the United States and India are engaged in a bitter trade dispute. The US has imposed tariffs on Indian goods, including aluminum and steel, citing national security concerns. India has retaliated by imposing tariffs on 28 US products, including almonds, apples, and walnuts.
The tariffs have sparked concerns about the impact on the Indian economy, which is already reeling from a slowdown. The Indian government has warned that the tariffs could lead to job losses and reduce the country’s economic growth.
Bolton’s comments are significant because they highlight the potential risks of the US-India trade dispute for the United States. While the Trump administration has argued that the tariffs are necessary to protect American industries, Bolton’s warning suggests that the move could ultimately harm US interests.
India has been a key ally of the United States in the region, and the two countries have been working together on a range of issues, including counter-terrorism and defense. However, India’s growing economic ties with Russia and China have raised concerns in Washington.
Russia and China have been making significant inroads in India, with Russia’s S-400 air defense system being a major focus of the Indian military’s modernization plans. China has also been increasing its investment in India, with Chinese companies playing a significant role in India’s infrastructure development.
Bolton’s warning suggests that the US-India trade dispute could ultimately benefit Russia and China, as India may turn to these countries for alternative sources of trade and investment. This could have significant implications for the US-India relationship, as well as for the global balance of power.
The US-India trade dispute is not the only issue that has raised concerns about the impact of Trump’s tariffs on India. Bolton’s comments also highlight the potential risks of the US-China trade dispute for India.
The US-China trade dispute has been a major focus of the Trump administration, with the US imposing tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of Chinese goods. India has been affected by the dispute, as Chinese goods have become cheaper and more competitive in the Indian market.
Bolton’s warning suggests that the US-China trade dispute could ultimately benefit China, as India may turn to China for alternative sources of trade and investment. This could have significant implications for the US-India relationship, as well as for the global balance of power.
In conclusion, Trump’s decision to impose 50% tariffs on India has raised concerns about the impact on the Indian economy and the potential risks for the US-India relationship. Bolton’s warning suggests that the move could ultimately push India closer to Russia and China, which could have significant implications for the global balance of power.
As the US-India trade dispute continues to unfold, it is essential for the Trump administration to consider the potential risks and consequences of its actions. The administration should work to find a resolution to the dispute that takes into account the interests of all parties involved.
