Ex-US official blames Trump's 'incoherent' approach for strained US-India ties: 'Tariffs a mistake'

The former US official told the newspaper that both countries need to go back to the way it was before, saying the 'whole tariff policy is a mistake'

John Bolton, ex-US national security adviser, believes that President Donald Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on India has complicated the relationship, describing the policy as a mistake.

Bolton, in an interview with the Times of India, said both countries should priorities early conclusion of a trade deal and keeping the window open for future negotiations.

The former US official told the newspaper that both countries need to go back to the way it was before, saying the “whole tariff policy is a mistake”.

The two countries need to find common grounds on economic tariffs, Bolton said.

He also slammed the Trump administration for imposing a 25 percent tariff on India for importing oil from Russia, calling the move as “incoherent”. Bolton argued that there was no direct tariff on Russia and China, which was the biggest importer of energy from Moscow, didn’t face any penalty.

The historical relationship between Russia and India is a challenge for the US but there is a way to help New Delhi transition away, Bolton said.

In the last few weeks, the ties between Washington and New Delhi had deteriorated over the implementation of 25 percent base tariff and an additional 25 percent for purchasing oil from Russia.

India had termed the decision as “unreasonable and unjustified”, while senior US officials such as Scott Bessent and Peter Navarro making belligerent remarks over the crude purchases.

However, recently, Trump wished Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday few days before a top US negotiator visited New Delhi to resolve trade issues.