'Erratic behaviour': Ex-US NSA John Bolton slams Trump’s India tariffs; rejects claim of brokering India-Pak peace

NEW DELHI: Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton has criticised President Donald Trump’s tariff policy on India, calling it “inappropriate” and an example of Trump’s erratic behaviour. He warned that such measures could strain ties between Washington and New Delhi.

Bolton also criticised US President for repeatedly asserting that he brokered peace between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack. India, however, has consistently maintained that the ceasefire resulted from direct talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries.




In an interview with ANI, Bolton who has also served as US Ambassador to the United Nations said Trump’s decision to impose steep tariffs on India for purchasing oil and weapons from Russia reflected “erratic behaviour.” He pointed out that no similar measures were taken against larger buyers such as China, or other nations like Turkey and Pakistan.

"I think 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, were inappropriate," he said.

The former security advisor further emphasised that India should prioritise long-term relations with the United States, noting that Trump’s presidency will last only another three and a half years.

Last month, the Trump administration announced 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.

He acknowledged that such steps would be frustrating for India but advised New Delhi to take a long-term view of relations with the US. Bolton stressed that India should treat Trump as a temporary factor, take decisions in line with its national interest and recognise that his actions do not represent the broader American view.

Bolton also praised the Indian government’s handling of the tariff issue, noting that New Delhi’s quiet and measured response was the most effective way to deal with Trump. He added that avoiding public confrontations and relying on back-channel diplomacy helped prevent unnecessary escalation.

The former US security advisor argued that Trump’s practice of pressuring even close partners like India was not a coherent strategy but more of a theatrical exercise aimed at domestic political gains. Such behaviour, he warned, has weakened global confidence in America’s reliability.

Emphasising the need for a broader perspective, Bolton said India should focus on the long-term strength of its relationship with the United States, keeping in mind that Trump’s presidency will last only a few more years. He added that the goal should be to make steady progress, minimise damage during this period and rebuild once Trump’s term ends.