‘US Tariff Policy A Mistake’: Ex-NSA Targets Trump Again For ‘Incoherent’ Trade Approach

Last Updated:September 17, 2025, 23:26 IST

Former US national security adviser John Bolton described the tariff policy as a mistake and criticised Trump for his “incoherent” approach with India.

Former US NSA John Bolton has criticised the Trump administration’s tariffs on India. (Image: AFP/File)

Former US national security advisor John Bolton criticised President Donald Trump again for his “incoherent” trade approach with India by imposing steep tariffs, saying the focus should be on the resumption of talks on a deal that lowers tariffs and leaves the way open for further negotiations.

Speaking to the Times of India, Bolton said the US tariff policy on India was a mistake and things should go back the way they were. “I think the whole tariff policy is a mistake. I think we ought to go back to the way we were before, but leaving that aside, in the time of Trump, in the White House,” he said.

The ex-NSA suggested that the emphasis of US-India talks should be to get a deal that finds common ground on economic tariffs and leaves room for more negotiations. He also called Trump’s move to penalise India with tariffs “incoherent”, highlighting that Russia faced no direct tariffs and China, Russia’s largest oil buyer, was also left untouched.

Bolton On India-Russia, Pakistan

Bolton acknowledged that India’s historical ties with Russia presented challenges in its ties with the US, but argued for a gradual transition towards cooperation instead of tariff penalties.

“I think we need to reduce purchases of Russia and oil and gas, and there are ways to do this to help transition India away from that in a way that’s economically sound,” he told TOI, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump needed to happen to make progress.

Bolton also spoke on Operation Sindoor, saying that Pakistan’s recent statement on India insisting for bilateral talks indicated that the conflict was handled between the two countries without Trump’s intervention.

“I think it’s pretty remarkable that they would say that, and certainly, those who know a little bit about India know that from the similar agreements on forward, that’s been the position that issues between Pakistan and India will be settled by the two of them. It’s an example of how little Trump knows about,” he said.

Trump Speaks To PM Modi

Bolton’s remarks came after India-US ties have seen tough days in recent weeks due to Trump’s 50% tariffs and sporadic attacks from White House adviser Peter Navarro on New Delhi’s energy and defence ties with Moscow. Trump imposed 50% levies on Indian imports in the US, dubbing it a crackdown on Russia and Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine.

However, Trump praised PM Modi in a birthday message on Tuesday, calling him a “friend” and lauding his leadership as “tremendous.” The US President also thanked PM Modi for backing his efforts to end the Russia–Ukraine war, signalling a reset in ties.

PM Modi had earlier thanked Donald Trump for his greetings and reaffirmed his commitment to elevating the India–US Comprehensive and Global Partnership.

About the Author

Aveek Banerjee

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international…Read More

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international… Read More

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