‘Worst outcome' for US: Former Trump aide warns tariffs could push India closer to Russia, China
Speaking to CNN, Bolton said the tariffs imposed over India's purchase of Russian oil had produced the 'worst outcome' for the United States by pushing India closer to Moscow and Beijing.
'It is ironic that the secondary tariff, intended to hurt Russia, could instead push India closer to Russia and China, and perhaps lead them to negotiate together against the US,' Bolton told CNN.
Trump's leniency on the Chinese, and heavy-handed tariffs on India, jeopardize decades of American efforts to bring India away from Russia and China. pic.twitter.com/aUQsD9aKWh
— John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) August 8, 2025
He said Trump had imposed tariffs of more than 50%, including a 25% secondary tariff, on India, while avoiding similar action against China since a brief trade dispute in April. '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,' he said.
Bolton warned that the approach risked weakening US influence in the region and could be a 'potentially enormous mistake.' In an opinion piece for The Hill, he wrote: 'The White House seems headed toward more lenient treatment for Beijing on tariff rates and other metrics than it imposed on India. If so, it will be a potentially enormous mistake.'
The additional tariffs have so far failed to persuade India to stop buying Russian oil. India has defended its imports and called the secondary tariffs 'unfair and unreasonable'. Moscow has backed India and accused Washington of applying illegal trade pressure.
Bolton said the issue could become part of a broader strategy for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is due to meet Trump next week.
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