'Trump had a very good personal relationship with Modi... that's gone': John Bolton

Former US National Security Adviser John Bolton said that US President Donald Trump had a “close personal relationship” with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, lamenting its demise amid the tariff saga. The India-US ties nose-dived into an abyss after Trump imposed nearly 50 per cent of tariffs on Indian goods.

The Trump administration has been complaining about India’s purchase of Russian oil amid the war in Ukraine. Trump’s Trade Representative, Peter Navarro, was often seen hurling criticism at New Delhi, with him describing the Russia-Ukraine war as “ Modi war”.

Meanwhile, New Delhi has condemned the tariffs, calling them “unfair” and pointing out how China is not facing such scrutiny despite the fact that it buys more oil from Russia than India.

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

The former National Security adviser has been outspoken in his criticism of Trump and warned world leaders that their personal ties with the American president would not protect them from his volatile and unpredictable foreign policy decisions

“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.”

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Bolton’s stark warning to ‘Trump’s pals’

In the interview, Bolton emphasised that personal connection is no longer enough to protect India from the US’s shifting geopolitical priorities. He warned other world leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, that a strong personal relationship with Trump might provide temporary benefits, but ultimately it won’t shield them from the “worst”.

“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.

The remarks from Bolton add to a growing body of criticism against the president’s handling of international relations, particularly his “America First” policy, which often disregarded traditional diplomatic ties in favour of more transactional dealings.