John Bolton, former US National Security Advisor, has cautioned regarding President Donald Trump’s 50 per cent tariff imposition on India. In an interview with CNN, Bolton highlighted Trump’s approach as risky, leading to the deepening of India’s ties with Russia and China instead of America. He called Trump’s decision an “enormous mistake” and called out the president for showing bias towards Beijing over New Delhi.
Outcomes of high tariffs on India
In the CNN interview, he said, “Trump’s tariffs against India are intended to hurt Russia but they could push India closer to Russia and to China to oppose these tariffs.” Highlighting the bias, Ex-NSA added, “Trump’s leniency on the Chinese, and heavy-handed tariffs on India, jeopardise decades of American efforts to bring India away from Russia and China.”
Bolt had earlier wrote, “Unfortunately, based on international reactions so far, the US by levying tariffs on friend and foe alike has likely suffered a considerable loss of trust and confidence, built up over decades of effort, in exchange for minimal economic gains — if any — and the risk of formidable losses.”
In the interview, he remarked regarding the White House that it “seems headed toward more-lenient treatment for Beijing on tariff rates and other metrics than it imposed on New Delhi”.
Donald Trump announced a 25 per cent tariff on India, along with a penalty for importing oil from Russia. However, he imposed an additional tariff of 25 per cent, which led to a total of 50 per cent tariff on India, making it one of the highest among American trading partners.
PM Modi on Trump tariff pressure
PM Modi has indicated not to compromise on the interests of farmers, dairy farmers, and fishermen. While speaking at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference, Prime Minister Modi said, “For us, the interest of our farmers is our top priority. India will never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers. I know personally, I will have to pay a heavy price for it, but I am ready for it.”