Former US Secretary of State John Kerry took a sharp swipe at Donald Trump on Friday — contending that there had been far too many ultimatums issued in recent months. Ties between India and the United States have become increasingly strained in recent weeks as the Trump administration imposed a 50% tariff and top aides held New Delhi responsible for ‘bloodshed’ in Ukraine. The Obama-era diplomat dubbed the ‘struggle’ between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the POTUS an “unfortunate” turn of events.
‘Too much ordering, pressuring, and pushing around’
“We are concerned. This struggle between President Trump and PM Modi is unfortunate. Great nations don’t necessarily exhibit greatness by giving people ultimatums all the time without sort of a genuine diplomatic effort to try to find common ground and do things through the normal course of business…There has been a little bit too much ordering, pressuring, and pushing around,” he said during the ET World Leaders Forum.
Former US officials slam Trump policies
Multiple former officials — including ex-NSA John Bolton and former Secretary of State Kurt Campbell — have voiced concern in recent weeks as the Trump administration became increasingly critical of India. They have repeatedly criticised his handling of India relations — warning that the newly implemented policies could alienate a key ally and perhaps push New Delhi closer to Russia and China.
“When Trump slapped tariffs on India for buying Russian oil, but not China which also purchases Russia oil, it may have pushed India further into the Beijing-Moscow axis. This lack of focus by the Trump Admin is an unforced error…India has reacted very strongly against Trump’s decision to impose tariffs for purchasing Russian oil and gas, potentially driving India closer to Russia, contrary to US national interests. This unforced US error shows the Administration’s lack of strategic thinking and priorities,” Bolton wrote on X last week.
Prime Minister Modi should not bend the knee to President Trump. If you tell India that it has to sacrifice its relationship with Russia, then Indian strategists are going to do the exact opposite…America’s most important relationship in the 21st century is with India. Much of that is now at risk,” former US deputy secretary of state Kurt Campbell told CNBC International earlier this month.