Why a Former Australian PM Thinks Trump Got It Wrong with India:

Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has a reputation for being a supporter of Donald Trump, but he's not shy about pointing out where he thinks the former US president went wrong. In a recent statement, Abbott said that Trump "misplayed his hand" with India when he decided to impose heavy tariffs on Indian goods.

Speaking at the NDTV World Summit, Abbott made it clear that while he's a fan of Trump, he saw the punitive tariffs as a strategic mistake. He pointed out that other countries, particularly China, were engaged in questionable trade practices but didn't receive the same harsh treatment from the US.

The tariffs in question are significant—a staggering 50% duty on a wide range of Indian exports. This includes a 25% penalty specifically targeting India for its continued purchase of Russian oil. These measures have understandably created a lot of concern in India, putting a strain on the trade relationship between the two democracies

Abbott's criticism also touched on a broader point about US foreign policy. He suggested that America's historical tendency to favor Pakistan, a military dictatorship, over a democracy like India was a mistake. In his view, the fundamental interests of the United States are better served by having a strong friendship with India

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Abbott expressed hope that this would only be a "temporary setback" for India. He believes that the shared values and common interests between India and other democracies are strong enough to overcome this hurdle, and he hopes that Washington can remedy the situation quickly

His comments highlight a complicated moment in international relations, where trade policies and strategic alliances are becoming increasingly intertwined. For Abbott, it seems clear that treating a democratic partner like India with punitive measures, while others get a pass, was not the right move.