Former U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has strongly criticised Donald Trump's trade policies toward India, particularly the steep tariffs imposed on Indian exports. Sullivan argues that these tariffs represent a "massive trade offensive" damaging the U.S.-India relationship and pushing India closer to China.

He stated that the U.S. global image has been harmed by these policies, describing the American brand as being "in the toilet" and saying that many allies now see the U.S. as an unreliable "big disruptor," while China is gaining credibility and viewed as more responsible internationally.

Sullivan emphasised that the tariffs undermine years of bipartisan efforts to strengthen the strategic partnership between the U.S. and India, which was crucial in countering China's growing influence.

He warned that India's growing engagement with China is partly a hedge against the unpredictability of the U.S. under Trump's policies. The imposition of a 50% tariff on Indian goods, the highest duty imposed on any country, is seen as a key trigger for this realignment.

Other senior U.S. officials, including John Kerry and John Bolton, have echoed concerns that Trump's tariff war risks undoing strategic diplomacy with India. Meanwhile, India has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its national interests amid the trade tensions.

Trump's justification for the tariffs has been based on India's continued purchase of Russian oil despite Western sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict.

Sullivan sees Trump's tariffs as causing long-term damage to U.S. interests by creating diplomatic openings for China and diminishing America's standing on the global stage. The situation signals a significant reality check for Trump within his own nation and among international partners.

This analysis is based on statements made by Jake Sullivan on The Bulwark podcast and multiple recent news reports covering his critique of Trump's trade policies and their geopolitical consequences.

Based On TOI Report