Ex-US NSA John Bolton calls Trump’s India tariff 'erratic,' says India’s silence 'best way'

India's silence, reliance on back-channel diplomacy on US tariffs "best way" to deal with Trump

Former United States National Security Advisor John Bolton has said that India’s approach of staying largely silent and relying on back-channel diplomacy regarding US tariffs was “the best way to deal” with President Donald Trump, cautioning that public confrontations would not make matters “easier.”

"I think that's the best way to deal with somebody like Trump. If you take the bait and get into a public back-and-forth with him, it's not going to make things any easier," Bolton said, referring to India's restrained approach on tariff disputes during Trump's presidency.

#WATCH | Washington, DC: On India largely maintaining silence and relying on back-channel diplomacy on the US tariffs, former National Security Advisor of the United States, John Bolton says, "I think that's the best way to deal with somebody like Trump. If you take the bait and… https://t.co/HSOcfv8U7Jpic.twitter.com/eHQ6T3wb41

— ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2025

Bolton also criticised Trump’s tariff policy on India, calling it “inappropriate” and an example of the president’s 'erratic behaviour,' warning that such measures could strain ties between Washington and New Delhi.

The former security advisor further stressed that India should focus on long-term ties with the United States, noting that Trump’s presidency has only about three and a half years remaining.

Last month, the Trump administration imposed 25% reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods, along with an additional 25% levy linked to New Delhi’s energy trade with Moscow.

"The sanctions are not part of normal trade conversation, and it's part of Trump's approach to Russia's unprovoked aggression against Ukraine. This connection shows how erratic Trump could be because he has not sanctioned or tariffed Russia or violated the sanctions, nor has he sanctioned or tariffed China for violating the sanctions, and China is a much bigger purchaser than India is, and there are many other purchasers, Turkey, Pakistan, and others," Bolton said.

#WATCH | Washington, DC: On India-US relations trade negotiations, former National Security Advisor of the United States, John Bolton says, "... It seems to me that the two sides are not that far apart and continued negotiations will lead to an agreement. I hope to try to look… pic.twitter.com/FqU0ZZ2UzQ — ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2025

He further described Trump’s attempt to take credit for resolving the conflict between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack and imposing tariffs on New Delhi as “inappropriate,” noting concerns in Washington over the president’s actions.

"There was a lot of concern in Washington that the two tariff issues combined with Trump taking credit for bringing peace to India and Pakistan after the last terrorist attack in Kashmir, was inappropriate," he said.

Former NSA Bolton also advised that India should "reduce ties" with Russia in defence and economic sectors, citing Moscow's growing alignment with Beijing.

"I think India's long-term interest lies in reducing ties wih Russia, militarily and economically because Russia is increasingly in an axis with China. Putin and Xi Jinping have talked about a partnership without limits, and even when PM Modi goes to Beijing and shakes hands with Putin and Xi and Kim Jong Un, that's a signal to Washington. Everybody saw those pictures, but it's not a long-term strategy for India," he told ANI.

He also commented on Sergio Gor, the nominee for the next US Ambassador to India, saying, “I don't think he's qualified to be US Ambassador to India.