Bolton explained that during Trump’s tenure, Washington was focused on two sensitive issues: tariff disputes and Trump’s claim of easing tensions between India and Pakistan after a terrorist attack in Kashmir. He added that open confrontations would have only complicated matters. Instead, India relied on back-channel diplomacy, which, in Bolton’s view, kept negotiations on track.

The former NSA also advised India to gradually reduce military and economic ties with Russia, noting Moscow’s growing alignment with Beijing. He cautioned that photos of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and Kim Jong Un sent mixed signals to Washington. Bolton urged India to prioritize long-term strategic interests.

On trade, Bolton noted that both India and the US had nearly reached an agreement before Trump suddenly raised tariffs by 25 percent. He criticized Trump’s unpredictable style, arguing it weakened America’s global credibility. Despite tensions, Trump later praised Modi as a “friend” and expressed optimism about resolving trade barriers.

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