Former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott has said that one of the biggest mistakes made by US President Donald Trump so far has been the way he handled relations with India.

Speaking in an interview with media, Abbott said he does not fully support Trump’s foreign policy approach and highlighted several steps that, in his view, unnecessarily strained ties with New Delhi.

Abbott said these included the imposition of punitive tariffs on Indian goods, claims by Trump that he had mediated tensions between India and Pakistan, and the hosting of Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir at the White House.

According to Abbott, these actions “gratuitously alienated” India, particularly given New Delhi’s longstanding concerns about terrorism originating from Pakistan.

Tariff dispute and trade deal

Tensions between the United States and India had earlier escalated after Washington imposed 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs on several Indian products. An additional 25 per cent levy was also linked to India’s continued purchases of Russian oil.

However, a trade agreement announced by Trump in February signalled a partial easing of those tensions. Under the arrangement, the US reduced tariffs on several Indian goods.

Trump said the decision followed a commitment from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to halt purchases of oil from Russia while the war in Ukraine continued.

The agreement helped ease months of friction between the two countries over energy purchases, which Washington had argued were helping fund the ongoing conflict.

Trump has also repeatedly referred to his close personal ties with Modi, describing the Indian leader as one of his greatest friends.

Abbott comments on Middle East conflict

Abbott also spoke about the uncertainty surrounding the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.

He said it was impossible to predict whether the situation would lead to a regime change in Tehran, noting that the current leadership still enjoys support among sections of the Iranian population.

At the same time, Abbott suggested that the weakening of Iran’s nuclear capabilities could significantly limit the country’s ability to project aggression in the future.

He also said the intensity of the conflict could gradually decline.

According to Abbott, Iranian attacks had already reduced compared to earlier phases of the conflict, while Israeli and American strikes had intensified and largely focused on regime facilities rather than civilian infrastructure.

Fresh attacks reported

In the hours following his remarks, Iran launched new missiles and drones targeting Israel and several Gulf countries hosting US military bases.

Explosions were reported inside Israel as air defence systems intercepted incoming projectiles.

Countries including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia also reported attacks.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that military confrontation alone cannot resolve global disputes, stressing that dialogue, diplomacy and respect for the rule of law remain essential to end ongoing conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the escalating tensions in West Asia.

Speaking at a joint press briefing in New Delhi with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, the Prime Minister said India and Finland share a common view that peaceful engagement is the only sustainable path to resolve international crises.

“India and Finland both believe in the rule of law, dialogue and diplomacy. We agree that no issue can be resolved through military conflict alone. Whether it is Ukraine or West Asia, we will continue to support the swift end of conflicts and every effort towards peace,” PM Modi said.

Call for reform in global institutions

Highlighting the changing global landscape, the Prime Minister also stressed the need to reform international institutions so that they can effectively address emerging global challenges.

“We also agree that reforming global institutions to address growing global challenges is not only necessary but urgent. Eliminating terrorism in all its forms is our shared commitment,” he said.

Middle East tensions intensify

The Prime Minister’s remarks came at a time when tensions in the Middle East have sharply escalated. The conflict began after a joint US-Israel strike reportedly killed Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei earlier this week.

In response, Iran launched retaliatory strikes targeting Israel and locations across the Gulf region. The situation has also drawn in Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group based in Lebanon, widening concerns about a broader regional conflict.

Impact on the wider global situation

The ripple effects of the escalating Middle East tensions are being felt globally, including in Ukraine, where Russia’s invasion has continued for four years.

Referring to the broader geopolitical climate, PM Modi said the world is currently facing instability and uncertainty, with conflicts affecting several regions.

“Today the world is going through a period of instability and uncertainty. Conflict persists in many parts of the world, from Ukraine to West Asia,” he said.

India and Europe entering stronger partnership phase

The Prime Minister also highlighted the strengthening relationship between India and Europe, pointing to the historic trade agreement signed with the European Union earlier this year.

According to him, growing cooperation between India and Europe is helping reinforce global stability, development and shared prosperity.

“In such a global environment, India and Europe, two of the world’s major diplomatic powers, are entering a golden era of their relationship. Our growing cooperation is giving new strength to global stability, development and shared prosperity,” PM Modi said.

The United States has urged India to consider American energy supplies as an alternative to Russian oil, with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau saying there is no “better alternative” than the US.

Speaking during the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi on Thursday, Landau suggested that India should explore other sources of energy while responding to a question about the country’s continued purchases of Russian crude.

“I hope you are looking for alternate sources… You can’t have a better alternative than the USA,” he said during a session titled Power, Purpose, and Partnerships: American Foreign Policy in a New Era.

Energy concerns amid regional tensions

Landau’s remarks come as global energy markets face uncertainty due to the ongoing Iran conflict, which has raised concerns about possible supply disruptions in the Middle East.

Industry sources indicate that Russia is prepared to redirect crude shipments to India to compensate for potential supply interruptions. Nearly 9.5 million barrels of Russian crude are currently on vessels near Indian waters and could reach domestic refineries in the coming weeks.

India significantly increased its purchases of Russian oil after the Russia-Ukraine war began in 2022, taking advantage of discounted crude and becoming one of Moscow’s major buyers. Western governments have frequently criticised the trade, arguing that it helps finance Russia’s military campaign.

India’s energy security also faces logistical challenges. Around 40 percent of the country’s crude imports move through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route for global oil shipments. Any disruption in the region could affect supplies to Indian refineries.

Because of this risk, refiners in India are reportedly exploring alternative sources if disruptions in the region continue for more than 10 to 15 days.

Trade ties and strategic relations

The comments come shortly after India and the United States announced a trade agreement aimed at expanding economic cooperation.

Following the announcement, the White House indicated that tariffs on Indian goods could be increased if New Delhi resumed large-scale purchases of Russian oil. India, however, has not officially confirmed any decision to halt Russian crude imports.

Russia has also hinted at potential moves in global energy markets. President Vladimir Putin recently said Moscow could consider halting gas supplies to Europe amid rising energy prices linked to the crisis.

‘America First doesn’t mean America alone’

During his address, Landau defended the “America First” foreign policy approach under US President Donald Trump, stating that it should not be interpreted as isolationist.

“America First doesn’t mean America alone,” he said, adding that Washington expects other countries to pursue their own interests as well.

“Our foreign policy is focused on advancing US interests. We are not a charity,” he added.

Referring to the leadership in both countries, Landau said Trump would aim to “make America great again” while expecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to focus on strengthening India.

He also described the current period as an important phase in the relationship between the two countries.

“This century is going to see the rise of India. It is in our interest to be partners,” he said, noting that Washington closely follows India’s economic growth and views the relationship as strategically important.

Landau also expressed optimism about ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries, saying the agreement is “almost at the finishing line” and that the US is eager to expand economic engagement with India.

At the same time, he cautioned that Washington does not want to repeat past strategic miscalculations.

“We are not going to make the same mistake with India which we made with China 20 years ago,” he said.

US stance on Middle East tensions

Addressing the broader conflict in the Middle East, Landau said Washington’s priority is to ensure that instability in the region does not threaten global security.

He reiterated the US position on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, stating that Washington had repeatedly warned Tehran against developing nuclear weapons.

“We tried hard to explain our red line to Iran, which is no development of a nuclear weapon,” he said, adding that the US believed diplomacy had not been successful.

Landau also said the future of Iran’s leadership ultimately lies with its citizens.

“Ultimately, the Iranian people will have to decide who their leadership is going to be,” he said.