Former U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has strongly criticized former President Donald Trump's trade policies toward India, asserting that they are damaging the strategic partnership between the two countries and pushing India closer to China. Sullivan argues that Trump's "massive trade offensive" is undermining years of work to build a deeper and more sustainable relationship with India, particularly as a counterweight to China's growing influence.

Sullivan's remarks come in the wake of increased tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Indian goods. Most recently, a 50% tariff on Indian exports went into effect, a move that is expected to hurt India's economic growth and jobs. These tariffs, which are the highest imposed on any country, have raised concerns in India over exports to the U.S., and are likely to adversely affect sectors such as textiles, jewelry, and mechanical appliances. Trump has attributed the additional tariffs to New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil.

Sullivan stated that allies now see the U.S. as a "big disruptor", while China has moved ahead of America in popularity. He said that when he speaks to leaders, they are talking about "derisking" from the United States. He highlighted India as an example, stating that the U.S. had been working on a bipartisan basis to strengthen ties with India, especially given the "China challenge". However, Trump's tariffs are now causing India to consider closer ties with China as a hedge against the U.S.. Sullivan said, "The American brand globally is in the toilet... Look at India. Trump has executed a massive trade offensive against them. Now, India is thinking, 'Shit, we have to go sit down with China to hedge against America,'".

These concerns are amplified by reports suggesting that Trump's trade actions are driven by "personal pique". One report indicated that Trump was allegedly upset at not being allowed to mediate in the India-Pakistan conflict and that agriculture was another sticking point in the trade relations between the two countries.

Vikas Swarup, a former Indian diplomat and spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, echoed similar sentiments, noting that the Trump administration is putting pressure on the Indian government. Swarup emphasized India's commitment to strategic autonomy and its unwillingness to be dictated by any country. He also expressed disappointment that a trade deal between India and the U.S., which many had hoped would materialize early given the personal relationship between then PM Modi and President Trump, had not yet come to fruition. Despite the current challenges, Swarup remains hopeful that the two sides can find a mutually acceptable solution but cautioned that the current rhetoric from the Trump administration is not helping.

Meanwhile, Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran has said that the high tariffs are expected to be "short-lived" as both countries are in talks for the removal of the 25 per cent penal tariff and a subsequent bilateral trade deal.

Democrats have also criticized Trump's "lopsided" tariffs on India, questioning the silence on China. They argue that Trump is singling out India, hurting American interests, and sabotaging the U.S.-India relationship.