Bolton Labels Trump's India Tariffs 'Erratic,' Advises India: 'Silence is Golden'

Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton has delivered a scathing assessment of former President Donald Trump's trade policies concerning India, unequivocally labelling them as 'erratic.' In a recent interview, Bolton, known for his hawkish foreign policy stance, suggested that India's most effective strategy in dealing with such unpredictable measures would be to maintain a strategic silence, avoiding direct engagement that might escalate tensions.

Bolton's comments resurface a period of strained trade relations between Washington and New Delhi during the Trump administration.

He highlighted a pattern of what he perceived as inconsistent and often impulsive decision-making, particularly concerning tariffs. This approach, Bolton argued, created instability and made it difficult for partner nations like India to anticipate and respond effectively to US policy shifts.

The former NSA elaborated on the rationale behind his advice, suggesting that a lack of vocal opposition or immediate retaliation from India could be interpreted in multiple ways by Washington, potentially leading to a de-escalation rather than a further entrenchment of tariff disputes.

He implied that engaging in a tit-for-tat exchange might only play into the hands of an 'erratic' policy framework, reinforcing its unpredictable nature rather than rectifying it.

During Trump's tenure, India was subjected to various tariff hikes on steel and aluminium, and eventually, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) status was revoked, impacting Indian exports to the US.

These moves were part of Trump's broader 'America First' agenda, which sought to renegotiate trade deals and reduce trade deficits globally. However, critics like Bolton argue that the execution often lacked a coherent long-term strategy, leading to diplomatic friction.

Bolton's perspective offers a unique insider's view, as he served at the highest levels of the Trump administration.

His critique is not merely academic; it comes from someone who witnessed the internal workings and decision-making processes. He posited that the Trump administration often made trade decisions without a comprehensive understanding of their broader geopolitical implications, sometimes treating allies and adversaries with similar heavy-handedness.

For India, Bolton's advice underscores the importance of strategic patience and nuanced diplomacy.

Given the often-fluid nature of international trade relations, especially when dealing with a major economic power like the US, a measured response can often yield better long-term outcomes than immediate confrontation. The principle of 'strategic silence' implies allowing the dust to settle, giving room for other internal and external pressures to influence policy, or waiting for a more opportune moment to engage in dialogue.

The insights provided by Bolton also serve as a reminder for global players about the potential volatility in international trade under certain leadership styles.

His comments suggest a critical need for nations to develop resilient strategies that can withstand sudden policy shifts from their major trading partners, emphasizing adaptability and long-term vision over short-term reactive measures. The former NSA's analysis reinforces the view that sometimes, the most powerful response is no immediate response at all, allowing the situation to evolve or for the initiating party to reconsider its stance in the absence of a direct counter-challenge.