Trump’s Tariffs Can Push India Closer to Russia & China: Ex-US NSA
In a shocking revelation, former US National Security Advisor John Bolton has expressed his concerns over President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 50% tariffs on India. According to Bolton, this move could have an unintended consequence, pushing India closer to Russia and China, thus jeopardizing decades of American efforts to bring India away from these rival countries.
In an interview with News18, Bolton, who served as Trump’s National Security Advisor from April 2018 to September 2019, emphasized that the Trump administration’s heavy-handed tariffs on India could have far-reaching implications. He warned that the tariffs could lead to a retaliatory response from India, which could ultimately push the country closer to Russia and China.
Bolton’s comments come at a time when the US-India relations are already under strain, primarily due to the ongoing trade tensions between the two nations. The Trump administration’s decision to impose tariffs on Indian goods, which includes a 50% tariff on some steel and aluminum products, has been met with strong resistance from India.
India, which is the second-largest market for the US in terms of trade, has responded by imposing retaliatory tariffs on several American products, including almonds, walnuts, and apples. The move has been seen as a major setback for the bilateral trade relations between the two countries.
Bolton, who has been a strong advocate for a strong US-India alliance, believes that the tariffs could have long-term implications for the region. He argued that the Trump administration’s decision to impose tariffs on India is a reflection of a broader shift in American foreign policy, which is focused on protecting American interests above all else.
“Trump’s heavy-handed tariffs on India jeopardise decades of American efforts to bring India away from Russia and China,” Bolton said. “India is a crucial partner for the US in the Indo-Pacific region, and it’s essential that we maintain a strong relationship with them.”
Bolton’s comments are significant, as they come from a former high-ranking official in the Trump administration. His warning highlights the potential risks associated with the Trump administration’s protectionist trade policies, which have been a hallmark of its economic agenda.
India, which has been a key partner for the US in the Indo-Pacific region, has been wary of China’s growing influence in the region. The country has been working closely with the US and other like-minded nations to counterbalance China’s growing power.
However, the Trump administration’s decision to impose tariffs on Indian goods has created a sense of uncertainty in the region. The move has been seen as a major setback for the US-India relations, which have been built over several decades.
Bolton’s warning is a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with the Trump administration’s protectionist trade policies. The tariffs could lead to a retaliatory response from India, which could ultimately push the country closer to Russia and China.
In conclusion, Bolton’s comments are a clear warning to the Trump administration about the potential risks associated with its trade policies. The tariffs could have far-reaching implications for the region, and it’s essential that the administration takes a more nuanced approach to its trade policies.
As the world navigates the complexities of global trade, it’s crucial that nations work together to find mutually beneficial solutions. The Trump administration’s decision to impose tariffs on India is a major setback for the US-India relations, and it’s essential that the administration takes a more balanced approach to its trade policies.
