Bolton Issues Warning To Trump
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Former National Security Adviser John Bolton issued a stark warning Wednesday, claiming President Donald Trump’s America First trade crackdown on India could push one of America’s largest allies closer to Russia and Communist China.
Trump has made it clear he’s prepared to hit India with a 25% tariff for buying Russian oil—calling it a direct contribution to Vladimir Putin’s war machine. The President’s tough stance comes even as China purchases far more Russian energy, yet faces a different set of trade penalties.
“The reaction in India is incandescent,” Bolton said on CNN’s AC360. “There’s talk of Putin visiting New Delhi later this year, and talk of Prime Minister Modi going to China for the first time since 2018. Moscow and Beijing are working hard to pull India closer to them.”
Trade Wars and Tough Negotiations
Earlier this year, the U.S. and China clashed in a high-stakes trade war that saw tariff rates soar into triple digits—rattling Wall Street, shaking consumer confidence, and raising fears of higher prices on everyday goods.
President Trump ultimately forced China to the table, securing a reduction to 10% on American exports and 30% on Chinese imports. But when it comes to India’s dealings with Russia, Trump isn’t pulling punches.
From “Most Loyal Friend” to Toughest Critic
During Trump’s first term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump enjoyed one of the warmest U.S.-India relationships in modern history—holding massive rallies in Texas and India to celebrate the partnership.
Trump once called India “America’s greatest, most devoted, and most loyal friend.” But last week, his tone shifted sharply.
“India is the highest tariff nation in the world,” Trump said. “We do very little business with them because their tariffs are so high. We settled on 25 percent, but I may raise it very substantially because they’re buying Russian oil. If they’re going to fuel Putin’s war machine, I won’t be happy.”
The Russia Factor
Just days ago, Modi doubled down on India’s relationship with Russia in a public post—sending a clear signal that New Delhi won’t easily abandon Moscow.
For the White House, the challenge is clear: keep India on America’s side without allowing Moscow or Beijing to gain a powerful new partner.
Bottom line: President Trump’s bold trade moves are once again putting America first—but they may also ignite a global power shift that could reshape the balance between the U.S., Russia, China, and India for years to come.
