Bolton Says Trump’s India Tariffs Are “Enormous Mistake”
Former U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton has warned that President Trump’s high tariffs on Indian imports—imposed in response to India’s oil purchases from Russia—could be a serious diplomatic error. He said these measures risk pushing India away from the United States and closer to countries like Russia and China.
Why Bolton is Concerned
Bolton believes this policy undermines decades of effort to strengthen ties with India. He criticized Trump for treating China more leniently while penalizing India harshly, calling that favoritism an “enormous mistake.” According to Bolton, such moves harm trust and strategic relationships more than they benefit U.S. economic interests.
What It Could Mean
This approach may backfire by driving India to deepen cooperation with other global powers rather than the U.S. If India feels unfairly targeted, it might seek stronger bonds with Russia and China—working together in ways that could challenge U.S. influence.
Bigger Impact on Global Relations
Bolton’s warnings highlight how trade policies can shape international alliances. Young readers should remember: decisions about tariffs aren’t just about money—they can influence who is friends with whom in the world.
