Trump’s Tariffs Can Push India Closer to Russia & China: Ex-US NSA
In a shocking move, US President Donald Trump recently imposed 50% tariffs on India, a long-standing ally of the United States. The decision has been met with widespread criticism, and one of the most vocal opponents is former US National Security Advisor John Bolton. In a recent interview, Bolton warned that Trump’s heavy-handed tariffs on India could have far-reaching consequences, including pushing Delhi closer to Russia and China.
Bolton’s warning is not without merit. India, which has traditionally been a strategic partner of the United States, has been growing increasingly frustrated with the Trump administration’s trade policies. The recent imposition of tariffs on India’s $6.7 billion worth of steel and aluminum exports has led to a deep sense of resentment among Indian officials.
In an interview with News18, Bolton stated, “Trump’s heavy-handed tariffs on India jeopardise decades of American efforts to bring India away from Russia and China.” He emphasized that India is a vital partner in the Indo-Pacific region and that the US needs to adopt a more nuanced approach to its trade relations with the country.
Bolton’s comments are significant because he has extensive experience in dealing with India. As the US National Security Advisor, he was instrumental in shaping the country’s foreign policy, including its relations with India. His warnings should be taken seriously, especially given the current state of US-India relations.
One of the main concerns is that the tariffs will hurt India’s economy, which has been growing rapidly in recent years. The country has become an attractive destination for foreign investment, and the tariffs will only serve to discourage further investment. In addition, the tariffs will also lead to higher prices for American consumers, which could have a negative impact on the overall economy.
Moreover, the tariffs are seen as a blow to the US-India trade relationship, which has been strengthening in recent years. India is an important partner for the US in the Indo-Pacific region, and the two countries have been working together to counter China’s growing influence. The tariffs will only serve to undermine this relationship and create tension between the two countries.
Bolton’s warning is not just limited to the economic consequences of the tariffs. He also emphasized that the tariffs will undermine India’s strategic importance in the region. “India is a vital partner in the Indo-Pacific region, and the US needs to adopt a more nuanced approach to its trade relations with the country,” he said.
In recent years, India has been growing increasingly close to Russia and China, both of which have been keen to cement their ties with New Delhi. Russia has been a long-standing partner of India, and the two countries have been working together on a range of issues, including defense and trade. China, on the other hand, has been trying to increase its influence in the region, and India has been wary of China’s growing military presence in the region.
Bolton’s warning is that the tariffs will only serve to push India further into the arms of Russia and China. “The US needs to adopt a more nuanced approach to its trade relations with India, and the tariffs will only serve to undermine our strategic partnership,” he said.
In conclusion, Trump’s decision to impose 50% tariffs on India is a misguided one that could have far-reaching consequences. The tariffs will hurt India’s economy, undermine the US-India trade relationship, and push Delhi closer to Russia and China. As Bolton warned, the US needs to adopt a more nuanced approach to its trade relations with India, and the tariffs will only serve to undermine our strategic partnership.
