Former US National Security Adviser John Bolton revealed that US President Donald Trump once shared a “close personal relationship” with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, he said that relationship deteriorated sharply after a heated dispute over tariffs.

According to Bolton, India-US relations “nosedived into an abyss” when Trump imposed nearly 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods.

“Trump had a very good relationship personally with Modi. I think that’s gone now, and it’s a lesson to everybody,” Bolton said during an interview with British news outlet LBC.

Tariff Tensions and Oil Dispute

The tariffs came amid growing friction between Washington and New Delhi over India’s purchase of Russian oil during the Ukraine war.

The Trump administration repeatedly criticized India for continuing to buy oil from Moscow. Peter Navarro, Trump’s Trade Representative, often attacked New Delhi’s stance and even went as far as to call the Russia-Ukraine war “Modi war.”

Meanwhile, India condemned the US tariffs, calling them “unfair.” Officials in New Delhi highlighted that China was buying far more Russian oil than India but was not facing the same level of scrutiny from Washington.

Bolton’s Warning on Trump’s Style

Bolton has often been vocal in criticizing Trump’s approach to foreign policy. He warned that world leaders should not rely on personal relationships to secure stable ties with the US under Trump’s leadership.

“I think Trump sees international relations through the prism of his personal relationships with leaders,” Bolton explained. “So, if he has a good relationship with Vladimir Putin, the US has a good relationship with Russia. That’s obviously not the case.”

He stressed that Trump’s style of diplomacy is highly transactional and unpredictable. As a result, even close allies could suddenly face harsh policies or trade disputes.

A Cautionary Message to World Leaders

Bolton also issued a direct warning to other global leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

“It’s a lesson to everybody, whether it’s Keir Starmer or any other world leader — that a good personal relationship may help at times, but it won’t protect you from the worst,” Bolton emphasised.

His remarks highlighted how Trump’s “America First” approach often ignored long-term diplomatic ties. Instead, it prioritized deals that served immediate US interests, even if it strained relationships with key partners.

Growing Criticism of Trump’s Foreign Policy

Bolton’s comments add to the growing criticism of Trump’s handling of international relations. Many foreign policy experts have argued that Trump’s decisions were volatile and unpredictable, leaving allies uncertain about US commitments.

As Bolton explained, while personal chemistry with Trump might bring temporary advantages, it offers no safeguard against sudden changes in US policy.