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 the Trump administration imposing 50% tariffs on Indian goods. However, this decision may have unintended consequences, according to former US National Security Advisor John Bolton. In a recent interview, Bolton warned that President Donald Trump’s heavy-handed tariffs on India could push Delhi towards closer ties with Russia and China, jeopardizing decades of American efforts to bring India away from these two nations.
The Trump administration’s decision to impose tariffs on India was taken in response to India’s decision to withdraw from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a major trade pact that included several Asian countries. The US had been pushing India to join the pact, but India ultimately decided not to participate, citing concerns over the lack of protections for its dairy and pharma industries.
The tariffs imposed by the US on Indian goods are a significant blow to India’s economy, which has been growing rapidly in recent years. The Indian government has responded to the tariffs by imposing retaliatory tariffs on 28 US products, including almonds, apples, and walnuts.
However, Bolton’s warning highlights the potential long-term consequences of the US-India trade tensions. India has traditionally been seen as a key ally of the US in the region, and any drift towards Russia and China could have significant implications for American interests.
Bolton’s comments are significant because he has a deep understanding of the complexities of the US-India relationship. As the US National Security Advisor, he played a key role in shaping the Trump administration’s policy towards India, and his views carry significant weight.
The US-India relationship has been growing stronger in recent years, with the two countries cooperating closely on a range of issues, including defense, counter-terrorism, and trade. The US has been a strong supporter of India’s rise as a major economic power, and has encouraged India to play a more prominent role in regional and global affairs.
However, the US-India relationship is not without its challenges. India has been growing increasingly assertive in its foreign policy, and has taken steps to increase its military capabilities and expand its strategic partnerships with other countries. This has led to concerns in the US that India may be drifting away from its traditional alignment with Washington.
Russia and China have been actively courting India in recent years, and have made significant strides in building ties with the country. Russia has been a long-standing partner of India, and has provided significant military and economic support to the country. China has also been increasing its ties with India, and has made significant investments in the country’s infrastructure and technology sectors.
In recent years, India has been expanding its strategic partnerships with both Russia and China, and has taken steps to increase its military and economic cooperation with these countries. This has led to concerns in the US that India may be drifting away from its traditional alignment with Washington.
Bolton’s warning highlights the potential risks of the US-India trade tensions. If the US continues to impose tariffs on Indian goods, it could lead to a deterioration in the US-India relationship, and could push India closer to Russia and China.
It is worth noting that the US-India trade tensions are not just about tariffs. The US has been pushing India to open up its markets to American goods and services, and has been critical of India’s protectionist policies. India, on the other hand, has been pushing the US to reduce its tariffs on Indian goods and to provide greater market access to Indian companies.
The US-India trade tensions are a complex issue, and there is no easy solution. However, it is clear that the US-India relationship is at a crossroads, and that the US-India trade tensions have significant implications for American interests.
In conclusion, Bolton’s warning highlights the potential risks of the US-India trade tensions. If the US continues to impose tariffs on Indian goods, it could lead to a deterioration in the US-India relationship, and could push India closer to Russia and China. The US-India relationship is at a crossroads, and it is essential that the US and India work together to find a solution that benefits both countries.
