Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott on Thursday criticised US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose punitive tariffs on India, calling it a “misplay” that could temporarily set back Indo-US relations.
Speaking at the NDTV World Summit, Abbott, a self-described Trump supporter, said the tariffs were “misplaced,” especially since other countries, notably China, had not faced similar measures.
“I think this is a serious setback. But given the fundamental community of interest and values that India shares with the democracies, I believe it will only be temporary. Let’s hope this can be remedied very quickly,” Abbott said.
The former PM also took aim at US foreign policy towards Pakistan, noting that Washington’s Cold War-era tilt towards Islamabad, a military dictatorship, over New Delhi, a liberal democracy, was a strategic miscalculation.
He suggested that America’s core interests are better served by cultivating a strong partnership with India.
The comments come after the US imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, including a 25% penalty for Russian energy purchases, citing concerns over Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
India has consistently defended its energy purchases as market-driven and essential for national security. Trump recently claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him India would halt Russian oil imports, a claim India denied.
Abbott’s remarks underline growing international scrutiny of the US approach towards India amid trade and geopolitical tensions.
