Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton has raised serious concerns over President Donald Trump's nominee for US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, citing doubts regarding his qualification for the position.
While talking to ANI, Bolton pointed out concerns over Gor's qualifications and knowledge about intricate international affairs, saying, "I don't think he's qualified to be US Ambassador to India."
Bolton also challenged Gor's familiarity with international policy, using the sanctions on Russian oil as an illustration. He pointed out that India and some other nations had taken advantage of loopholes in the sanctions, which were meant to cut Russia's income for the war against Ukraine without toppling global oil markets or increasing consumer prices in Europe and the US.
"The price cap mechanism permitted purchases under the cap to be exported abroad at market prices," Bolton said. He noted that while most analysts argue that this technically did not violate the sanctions, the primary objective should have been to cut off funds going to Russia's war efforts.
Gor, who is 38 and has direct access to the President, was elevated last month from presidential personnel director to ambassador-designate and special envoy for South and Central Asia.
If approved, he would be the youngest US ambassador to India. He is set to testify before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Thursday during a confirmation hearing, as the White House tries to speed up trade negotiations and deepen US-India ties.
Gor has termed his mission as shepherding strategic convergence in the face of policy divergence with the strong foundation of US-India relations based on the leadership affinity between Trump and Prime Minister Modi.
Bolton also condemned recent comments by Trump's trade adviser, Peter Navarro, regarding India. "Look, Peter doesn't know anything about world affairs. Really, he has a hard time distinguishing who America's friends are, who America's friends should be, and how you treat friends" Bolton said.
Navarro had accused India of profiting from cheap Russian crude, asserted that Indian tariffs were undermining American jobs, and made contentious caste-based statements accusing Brahmins of profiteering in the Russian oil business.
Bolton underscored that such language does not reflect US policy and should be viewed as part of the Trump administration's unorthodox style.
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