Ex‑NSA Jake Sullivan Warns U.S. Tariffs on India Threaten Strategic Ties

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Former U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has sharply criticized the Trump administration’s recent decision to impose 50% tariffs on Indian exports, declaring, “The American brand globally is in the toilet.” Sullivan warned that these aggressive trade measures risk driving India closer to Beijing, undermining decades of work to strengthen U.S.–India relations.

Speaking on The Bulwark podcast with Tim Miller, he added that many U.S. allies now perceive Washington as a “big disruptor” — increasingly unreliable and unpredictable — while China is increasingly seen as the more steady partner.

The tariffs, which include a 25% “reciprocal” levy followed by an additional 25% penalty linked to India’s Russian oil imports, constitute one of the steepest in history, targeting sectors like textiles, jewelry, and mechanical appliances.

Sullivan cautioned that instead of reinforcing U.S.–India strategic alignment — crucial for balancing regional power dynamics — these tariffs may push New Delhi to hedge its bets through increased engagement with China.

India’s Foreign Ministry has publicly rejected implications that its energy policy is negotiable, emphasizing strategic autonomy and the need for consistent partnerships. Meanwhile, analysts and political observers warn that the move could undercut U.S. credibility, and prompt India to diversify partnerships, including within BRICS and broader Indo-Pacific frameworks.