Former US National Security Adviser John Bolton strongly criticised Donald Trump’s trade approach toward India. He said the US president “has shredded decades of efforts” made by the West to strengthen diplomatic and strategic relations with New Delhi.

Bolton explained, “The West has spent decades trying to ween India away from its Cold War attachment to Soviet Union Russia, and cautioning India on the threat posed by China. Donald Trump has shredded decades of efforts with his disastrous tariff policy.”

Time to repair ties, but no action yet

The ex-official noted that Washington could still repair the situation. However, he warned that “it’s going to take a lot of work” and said no serious effort has started yet.

Bolton, who served as NSA from 2018 to 2019 before resigning over foreign policy differences, stressed that Trump’s focus on narrow economic gains has broader consequences for geopolitics.

Risks of Trump’s tariff-first approach

He warned that Trump’s tariff-first strategy could damage vital diplomatic and economic partnerships. By imposing punitive trade measures on India, Bolton said, Washington may have opened space for Beijing to strengthen ties with New Delhi. Such a shift, he added, could disrupt the regional balance of power.

FBI probe into Bolton

Meanwhile, Bolton himself faces scrutiny. Last month, FBI agents raided his home as part of an investigation reportedly linked to classified documents.

When asked about the searches, Trump said he was “not a fan” of Bolton but claimed he had no prior knowledge of the operation.

US Vice President JD Vance later confirmed, “We’re in the very early stages of an ongoing investigation into John Bolton.” He added, “Classified documents are certainly part of it,” while pointing to “broad concern” surrounding the former NSA.