John Bolton Slams Trump Over India Sanctions, Says Strategic Focus Lost

Former US National Security Adviser John Bolton has sharply criticised President Donald Trump for sanctioning India over its purchase of Russian oil, saying the move demonstrates a lack of strategic vision and risks undermining US-India relations. Bolton made the remarks at a recent event, highlighting what he sees as flaws in Trump’s foreign policy priorities.

Sanctions Against India vs Russia and China

Bolton argued that Trump’s sanctions against India reflect a misguided focus on trade at the expense of broader geopolitics. “Trump has lost the bigger strategic picture. I think he has done it again by sanctioning India. He hasn’t gone after Russia directly or China — which buys more Russian oil than India,” Bolton stated.

The former NSA emphasised that China’s oil and gas imports far surpass India’s, yet Trump’s administration targeted New Delhi, a crucial partner in countering Beijing’s influence in Asia.

Trump’s China Obsession

Bolton also criticised Trump’s fascination with China, recounting an anecdote from his book about a meeting with UK Prime Minister Theresa May at Chequers before the Helsinki summit. Trump reportedly boasted about the reception he received during his 2017 visit to China, suggesting his personal vanity often shaped foreign policy decisions.

Bolton said:

“All Trump wanted to do was talk about trade. The bigger strategic picture was lost. He didn’t sanction Russia, but he sanctioned India. He didn’t sanction China, which has significantly greater purchases of oil and gas than India did.”

Impact on US-India Relations

Bolton warned that the sanctions could weaken the strategic US-India partnership, particularly at a time when India is recalibrating its foreign policy by engaging closely with China and Russia. The former NSA added that Trump’s personal rapport with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, once seen as a diplomatic asset, has deteriorated.

“Trump had a very good relationship personally with Modi. I think that’s gone now, and it’s a lesson to everybody. A good personal relationship may help at times, but it won’t protect you from the worst,” Bolton told British outlet LBC.

India-US relations are currently under strain, with Trump imposing a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods, while Modi’s interactions with Putin and Xi Jinping signal New Delhi’s nuanced approach toward global powers.

Summary

John Bolton’s criticism underscores the tension between Trump’s transactional approach to trade and the broader strategic imperatives of US foreign policy, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Experts warn that continued sanctions on India could have long-term implications for bilateral cooperation on trade, defense, and countering China’s growing influence.