Bolton warns Trump’s trade assault could fracture India-US ties and drive New Delhi closer to rival powers.

Former US National Security Adviser John Bolton has unleashed a scathing attack on Donald Trump’s trade policies, warning that Washington’s hardline stance is alienating India at a critical moment in global power politics. In a striking interview with Hindustan Times, Bolton declared that the India-US relationship is in “serious trouble” and cautioned that New Delhi could pivot closer to Moscow and Beijing if Trump’s tariff penalties remain in place. At the center of the storm is a punishing 25% penalty slapped on Indian imports for continuing to buy Russian oil and gas. Bolton highlighted the glaring double standard: the US singles out India while imposing no such penalty on Beijing. “Leaving India hanging out to dry as the only nation punished sends the wrong message. It makes people wonder if the United States is walking away from India. That risks pushing New Delhi straight into Russia and China’s arms,” Bolton warned.

Tariffs That Could Reshape Alliances

The new trade squeeze escalates a battle that began during Trump’s earlier term. Starting August 27, 2025, the US will raise import duties on Indian goods to 50% — combining existing tariffs with Russia-linked penalties. Bolton didn’t hold back, calling these actions part of the “aberrational Trump presidency,” accusing the White House of incoherent strategies on trade and sanctions.

Bolton Backs India Against US Critics

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently accused India of refining Russian crude and selling it abroad. Bolton fired back, arguing that New Delhi had followed the rules exactly as written. “The sanctions don’t stop anyone from buying Russian oil at $60 a barrel or less, then selling it elsewhere. If there’s a flaw, it lies with the sanctions themselves — not India’s actions,” he explained. Bolton urged both governments to contain the fallout until Trump’s presidency ends, stressing that the current stance doesn’t reflect mainstream US policy. “Trump doesn’t operate from a clear philosophy, so there’s no legacy here. The goal should be to limit the damage now and repair ties as quickly as possible,” he said.

Bolton Tears Into Trump’s China Gamble

Bolton also delivered a sharp rebuke of Trump’s shifting China strategy. “In the first term, he was chasing the biggest trade deal in history with Beijing. But if the real goal were a trade war, the obvious move would have been to join forces with India against China, since Beijing is the biggest disruptor in global economics,” Bolton argued.

The Bigger Picture

Bolton’s critique underscores growing unease over Trump’s unpredictable trade tactics. By singling out India while sparing Beijing, Washington may be pushing a key partner toward rival powers. This move could reshape alliances and tilt the balance of global competition.