Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry voiced concern over the current state of India-U.S. ties, describing the situation as "unfortunate" and blaming the Trump administration for straining the relationship. Speaking at the ET World Leaders Forum, Kerry remarked that issuing ultimatums without genuine diplomatic effort does not reflect strong leadership.
"We are concerned. This struggle between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi is unfortunate," Kerry said. "Great nations don’t exhibit greatness by constantly giving ultimatums without making a real effort to find common ground."
He also said that there was "too much ordering, pressuring, and pushing around," in reference to the Trump administration’s foreign policy approach. Reflecting on his tenure under President Obama, Kerry emphasized that U.S. negotiations with India had previously been characterized by mutual respect and collaboration.
Tensions between India and the U.S. have increased recently, particularly after the U.S. imposed secondary tariffs on India over its oil trade with Russia. Diplomatic friction escalated when India dismissed Trump’s claim of mediating in a conflict with Pakistan, and U.S. tariffs on Indian exports have now exceeded 50%.
Despite the strained ties, Kerry expressed optimism about a resolution. He commended India’s negotiating stance and referred to Prime Minister Modi and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal as “friends.”
“India has made a pretty powerful offering,” Kerry noted, referencing reports that India proposed zero tariffs on some U.S. imports.
Earlier, former National Security Advisor John Bolton also criticized Trump’s tariff policy, warning it could reverse years of progress in shifting India away from Russian and Chinese influence.