Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton has raised eyebrows over the nomination of Sergio Gor as the next US Ambassador to India. In a candid chat with , Bolton didn’t mince words: “I don’t think he’s qualified to be US Ambassador to India.”
Bolton also dove into India’s decision to buy Russian oil amid global sanctions. He explained that the sanctions on Russia aim to slash funding for its war in Ukraine without spiking oil prices for everyday folks in Europe and the US. “The goal is to cut Russian revenues that fuel the war, but not crash their oil sales in a way that hikes global prices,” Bolton said. He pointed out a loophole: countries can buy Russian oil below the price cap and resell it at market rates, often without breaking any rules technically. Still, he stressed the big picture—stopping Russia’s war machine should come first.
Shifting to India-US relations, Bolton advised India to view former President Donald Trump as a one-off deal. “The Government of India should treat Trump as a one-time proposition,” he told . “Pursue your national interests, but don’t assume his views represent all of America.” Bolton slammed Trump’s foreign policy as “transactional” and “erratic,” saying it fueled tensions between the two nations. On trade issues, he highlighted the 25% tariff on Indian companies buying Russian oil and gas—yet Trump hasn’t hit Russia or bigger buyers like China with similar penalties. “China buys way more than India, and so do Turkey and Pakistan,” Bolton noted.
Bolton didn’t hold back on Trump’s trade advisor Peter Navarro either, who recently blasted India for snapping up discounted Russian crude. Navarro even called India a “laundromat for the Kremlin” and made controversial caste-based jabs, claiming Brahmins are cashing in on the oil trade. “Peter doesn’t know anything about world affairs,” Bolton shot back. “He can’t even tell America’s friends from foes. Leave him alone in a room for an hour, and he’d argue with himself!” Bolton made it clear: Navarro’s rants aren’t US policy—they’re just Trump-era quirks.
Despite the drama, things might be looking up. On Tuesday, Trump posted on Truth Social praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi as his “very good friend.” He shared optimism about fixing trade barriers: “India and the United States are continuing negotiations… I look forward to speaking with PM Modi soon. I’m sure we’ll reach a great deal for both countries!”
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