Alienating India, courting Munir, Trump's biggest mistake: ex-Australian PM
What's the story
Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has said that one of the biggest mistakes of United States President Donald Trump was his handling of relations with India. Speaking to NDTV, Abbott highlighted three actions that he believes gratuitously alienated New Delhi. These include imposing punitive tariffs on Indian goods, claiming to have settled disputes between India and Pakistan, and hosting Pakistani armed forces chief Asim Munir in the White House.
Trade relations
Trump reduced tariffs on several Indian goods
In February, Trump had announced a trade agreement that seemed to ease tensions with India. Under this deal, he reduced tariffs on several Indian goods after imposing 25% reciprocal tariffs and an additional 25% levy on India's Russian oil purchases. The US President said these cuts were in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to stop buying Russian oil during the Ukraine war.
Conflict analysis
Abbott on Iran-Israel conflict
Abbott was also asked about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its impact on global security. He said it was impossible to predict a regime change in Tehran but suggested that a "defanged Islamist theocracy" could be a possible outcome. He added that Iran's nuclear program has been set back by decades.
Retaliation
Iran continues to attack Israel, Gulf states
Despite Abbott's comments, Iran has continued its military operations, firing missiles and drones at Israel and several Gulf states with US military bases. Explosions were reported inside Israel as its defenses intercepted incoming projectiles. The United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia all reported attacks in the aftermath of these developments.