Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton revealed that Washington’s long-standing policy aimed to keep India distant from Russia and China’s influence. While successful for years, President Trump’s tariff wars have strained US-India trade relations, pushing India closer to Russia and China. Experts warn this shift could impact defense cooperation and the Indo-Pacific balance. Amid Modi-Putin talks and China’s strategic moves, India’s future alignment remains uncertain, influencing Asia-Pacific geopolitical dynamics.