Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton said that the tariffs imposed on India by President Donald Trump have backfired, causing the “worst possible outcome” for the US. Instead of drawing India closer, the tariffs have pushed New Delhi further away, weakening years of American attempts to distance India from Russia and China.
In a post on X, he said, “Trump’s leniency on the Chinese, and heavy-handed tariffs on India, jeopardize decades of American efforts to bring India away from Russia and China.”
Trump’s leniency on the Chinese, and heavy-handed tariffs on India, jeopardize decades of American efforts to bring India away from Russia and China. pic.x.com/aUQsD9aKWh
— John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) August 8, 2025
He also tweeted his statement given to the CNN where he said, “ it was ironic that the secondary tariff, intended to hurt Russia, could instead push India closer to Russia and China, and perhaps lead them to negotiate together against the US.”
Russia and China have backed or agreed with the Modi government’s stand, as both try to counter US influence in a more multipolar world.
On Thursday, the day the US’s first 25% tariff on Indian goods began, China’s ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, seemed to aim a jab at Donald Trump on X, saying, “Give a bully an inch, and he will take a mile.”
Meanwhile, on August 5, Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that every country has the right to choose its own trade partners.
Peskov added, “We hear many statements that are in fact threats, attempts to force countries to cut trade relations with Russia. We do not consider such statements to be legal.”
The latest round of tariffs, an additional 25 per cent hike, was announced by US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, citing India’s continued imports of Russian crude oil as the primary reason. This comes on top of a previous 25 per cent tariff that came into effect on July 20.
Responding sharply to the US move, the Ministry of External Affairs called the decision “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable”, stating that India’s energy needs and strategic autonomy must be respected.
In a public statement shortly after the new tariffs took effect, Prime Minister Modi reiterated his government’s unwavering support for India’s farmers, livestock holders, and fishermen.
Speaking at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in Delhi on Thursday, he said, “The interest of farmers is our top priority. India will never compromise with the interests of its farmers, livestock holders, and fishermen. And I know that I will have to pay a huge price for this personally, but I am ready. India is ready, for the sake of the country’s farmers, fishermen and livestock holders.”
Trump ruled out negotiations with India on the tariffs on Thursday. “No, not until we get it resolved”, he said when a reporter asked him if he expected more negotiations following the announcement of the 50 per cent tariff that is to take effect on August 27.