Washington DC, Sept. 13 -- Former United States National Security Advisor John Bolton has said that India's decision to stay largely silent and rely on back-channel diplomacy on US tariffs was the "best way to deal" with US President Donald Trump, cautioning that engaging in public confrontations would not make matters "easier".

"I think that's the best way to deal with somebody like Trump. If you take the bait and get into a public back-and-forth with him, it's not going to make things any easier," Bolton said, referring to India's restrained approach on tariff disputes during Trump's presidency.

Bolton noted that Washington was concerned over two key developments at the time. First was the tariff issues, and second, Trump's attempt to...