Trump's proposed 50% tariffs on India may lead to adverse results, according to Bolton's assessment
John Bolton, the former US National Security Advisor, has criticized President Donald Trump's new tariffs on India, arguing that they could have negative geopolitical consequences. Bolton's critique highlights the potential damage these trade measures could inflict on the US-India relationship and broader US strategic interests.
The tariffs, which range from 10% to 41%, follow Trump's earlier "Liberation Day" tariffs of April 2. These tariffs were paused for 90 days to allow for trade negotiations, but no new negotiations seem to have been initiated.
Bolton's criticism centres on the 50% overall rate, including a 25% penalty for India's continued purchase of Russian oil. He believes these tariffs antagonize a key partner, potentially reversing progress in a partnership that the US sees as critical in balancing China’s power in Asia.
Bolton also points out the inconsistency in US policy toward Russia and China. While India faces steep US tariffs for purchasing Russian oil, China imports Russian oil without comparable sanctions or tariffs, leading to perceptions of unfair treatment. This inconsistency fuels Indian resentment and strategic recalibration.
Moreover, Bolton warns that the tariffs may unite India with Russia and China against the US, jeopardizing US strategic goals of isolating Moscow economically and politically. He also expresses concern that the tariffs risk damaging US-India ties, eroding US credibility and trust, and undermining US grand geopolitical strategy.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated his commitment to protecting the interests of farmers, fishermen, and dairy producers. He has also emphasized that agricultural and rural livelihoods remain India's top priority in any trade negotiation. Despite facing a 25% duty after failing to reach an agreement with Washington, Modi has stated that he would not compromise on these matters, even if it means paying a heavy price.
In an opinion piece for The Hill, Bolton cautioned that the situation could worsen if China secures a better trade deal, inflaming Trump's "resentment for India." This suggests that the potential impact of these tariffs on the US-India relationship could be significant. However, as of now, no response from President Donald Trump regarding Modi's statements has been reported.
- John Bolton, discussing the tariffs between the US and India, expressed concern that the increased tensions could lead to an alliance between India, Russia, and China, potentially undermining US strategic goals and damaging US-India relations.
- The policy and legislation over the tariffs, with their implied inconsistency in US relations with Russia and China, has raised questions and fuelled resentment among Indian leaders, especially in relation to agriculture and rural livelihoods.
- The general news landscape is currently filled with discussions involving war-and-conflicts, politics, crime-and-justice, and policy-and-legislation, as a result of the ongoing tariff disagreements and their potential impacts on global alliances. Additionally, car-accidents and other everyday incidents have found their way into these discussions due to their increasing impacts on citizens and economies worldwide.
