Amid tensions over Trump’s tariffs on India, former US National Security Advisor John Bolton said on Thursday that the once-close personal bond between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump is now a thing of the past.
“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 outlet LBC.
“For example, (UK Prime Minister) Keir Starmer — a good personal relationship may help at times, but it won’t protect you from the worst.”
Bolton’s comments come amid strained ties between India and the US, after Trump imposed a 50 per cent tariff on New Delhi, while PM Modi was seen meeting Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping in Beijing, hinting at India’s shift in priorities.
“I think Trump sees international relations through the prism of his personal relationships with leaders,” Bolton said. “So, if he has a good relationship with Vladimir Putin, the US has a good relationship with Russia. That’s obviously not the case,” the former Trump aide-turned-critic said.
According to Bolton, the famed “bromance” between PM Modi and Trump may be over.
Bolton also warned other leaders, including UK’s Keir Starmer, saying, “A strong personal relationship with Trump might provide temporary benefits, but ultimately it won’t shield you from the worst of his decision-making.”
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