Former US NSA Jake Sullivan Blasts Trump's India Tariffs, Says 'American Brand Globally Is In The Toilet' Due To Trade War

Former US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has lambasted President Donald Trump’s trade approach to India, cautioning that heavy tariffs are hurting America’s global image and driving New Delhi closer to China , India Today reported.

“The American brand globally is in the toilet. Look at India. Trump has executed a massive trade offensive against them. Now, India is thinking, shit, we have to go sit down with China to hedge against America,” Sullivan said on The Bulwark Podcast with Tim Miller.

Sullivan said many US allies and partners now see Washington as “a big disruptor” instead of a dependable partner, while China is gaining global support.

He described India as a key example of this change.

Washington had long sought stronger ties with New Delhi on a bipartisan basis, mainly to counter China.

But Sullivan said Trump’s tariffs have weakened the relationship, leaving India to “sit with China”.

Sullivan also warned of long-term consequences for US interests.

“Here’s a country we were trying to build a deeper and more sustainable relationship with. Instead, because of these tariffs, India now feels compelled to explore closer engagement with China,” he said.

His comments followed Washington’s decision to impose a 50 per cent tariff on Indian exports from 27 August — the steepest duty on any country.

The measure is set to impact industries such as textiles, jewellery, and mechanical appliances, raising concerns about India’s jobs and growth.

Trump defended the extra 25 per cent tariff as a response to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil during the Ukraine conflict.

But a Jefferies report suggested the escalation was also tied to Trump’s frustration over being excluded from mediating the India-Pakistan conflict earlier this year. Agricultural disputes were also cited as a point of tension between the two countries.

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