In a stunning revelation, former US National Security Advisor John Bolton has claimed that the close personal relationship between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a thing of the past. “Trump had a very good relationship personally with Modi. I think that’s gone now, and it’s a lesson to everybody, for example, (UK Prime Minister) Keir Starmer, that a good personal relationship may help at times, but it won’t protect you from the worst,” Bolton said bluntly, signaling a break in what was once a robust diplomatic partnership.Bolton, who has been outspoken in his criticism of Trump, warned world leaders that their personal ties with the American president would not protect them from his volatile and unpredictable foreign policy decisions.Bolton’s remarks, made in a recent interview with British media outlet LBC, come amid what is arguably one of the most strained periods in India-US relations in over two decades. According to Bolton, Trump’s approach to international diplomacy was heavily influenced by his personal relationships with world leaders, but such ties would not shield them from Trump’s shifting priorities and policies.“I think Trump sees international relations through the prism of his personal relationships with leaders,” Bolton explained. “So, if he has a good relationship with Vladimir Putin, the US has a good relationship with Russia. That’s obviously not the case.”Bolton’s comments have added fuel to the fire of growing tensions between India and the US, particularly in light of Trump’s contentious tariff policies and frequent public criticism of India’s trade practices during his presidency. The relationship between Modi and Trump was once seen as a key pillar of the “stronger” ties between the two countries, but Bolton’s remarks suggest that even this personal rapport may no longer hold sway.The fall of a diplomatic bondThe personal camaraderie between Trump and Modi, often highlighted during state visits and joint appearances, was widely viewed as a diplomatic success for both leaders. Trump even referred to Modi as a “great friend” on several occasions, with their shared affinity for nationalism and strong leadership shaping their interactions.However, according to Bolton, that personal connection is no longer enough to protect India from the US’s shifting geopolitical priorities.Bolton’s warning to other world leadersBolton, a staunch critic of Trump’s foreign policy, warned other world leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, that a strong personal relationship with Trump might provide temporary benefits, but ultimately won’t shield them from the “worst” of his decision-making.“It’s a lesson to everybody, whether it’s Keir Starmer, or any other world leader—that a good personal relationship may help at times, but it won’t protect you from the worst,” Bolton emphasized, hinting at the unpredictable nature of Trump’s diplomatic approach.This latest insight from Bolton adds to a growing body of criticism against the former president’s handling of international relations, particularly his “America First” policy, which often disregarded traditional diplomatic norms in favor of more transactional, and at times erratic, dealings.A tense moment in India-US relationsThe US-India relationship, long marked by cooperation and mutual benefit, has faced significant challenges during and after Trump’s tenure. The imposition of tariffs, along with Trump’s criticism of India’s trade and economic policies, contributed to a sense of disillusionment in New Delhi. While Modi and Trump maintained a seemingly strong personal rapport, the diplomatic fallout from their policies cannot be ignored.The present moment marks a time of recalibration in the India-US relationship, as India seeks to strengthen its ties with other global powers while navigating a post-Trump world order.
