John Bolton, the former US National Security Advisor, has sounded an urgent warning: the United States must address and right key strategic missteps if it genuinely hopes to deepen its partnership with India especially in light of growing Chinese and Russian influence. In a candid interview, Bolton pointed out that recent US tariff policies, diplomatic appointments, and messaging have non-intentional pushed India closer to Beijing and Moscow. He described some of these decisions as “propaganda victories” for adversarial powers, rather than strides toward trust and cooperation.

Bolton specifically criticised the appointment of Sergio Gor as US Ambassador to India, suggesting that the role demands more diplomatic gravitas and credibility. More than ceremonial gestures, what matters, he says, is demonstrating consistency in policy, clarity in strategic priorities, and respect for India’s regional concerns. Interactions such as excessive tariff impositions and overtly partisan rhetoric, he argues, have eroded India’s confidence in US leadership.

For Bolton, India is walking a fine line balancing its own national interests, territorial concerns, and its relationships with neighbours while also navigating global power dynamics. He thinks Washington has to show that it values India not just formally but in action: steady diplomatic engagement, trade fairness, and shared leadership in regional security dialogues. If the US fails to mend these issues, the risk is that India may increasingly opts other partnerships, reinforcing the China-Russia axis. But Bolton says there’s still time. With humility, strategic focus, and renewed diplomacy, trust can be restored and a stronger US-India alliance built.