Russian President Vladimir Putin, from left, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping talk ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit at the Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Center in Tianjin, China. AP/PTI
Photo : PTI
United States President Donald Trump’s blunt-force approach to diplomacy appears to be backfiring, potentially pushing traditional US allies toward China. Trump publicly lamented on Truth Social that India and Russia were drifting into Beijing’s embrace.
“Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest, China,” Trump wrote Friday, posting a photo of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping meeting in China. “May they have a long and prosperous future together!”
The comment highlighted growing tensions in US-India relations and underscored the unintended consequences of Trump’s trade tactics and aggressive foreign policy. Earlier this year, India’s foreign minister attended Trump’s inauguration, signaling strong ties with the United States. Now, Modi’s visit to China, the first in seven years, has sparked speculation about New Delhi’s strategic pivot.
“I’ll always be friends with Modi. He’s great,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “I just don’t like what he’s doing at this particular moment. But India and the United States have a special relationship. There’s nothing to worry about. We just have moments on occasion.”
Economists and foreign policy experts suggest that Trump’s oscillating stance may have strained the relationship. “Right now, India feels that the US is not a very reliable partner,” said Devashish Mitra, a professor of economics at Syracuse University. “They thought the U.S. was an ally. If India is moving towards China, it’s a friendship of convenience.”
Analysts point to several actions by Trump that have irked New Delhi. His claim to have “solved” the India-Pakistan military conflict angered Indian officials, who insist outside powers play no role in their delicate bilateral issues. Trump’s imposition of heavy tariffs on Indian goods, particularly in response to oil purchases from Russia, further exacerbated tensions.
“President Trump likes to back his allies into a corner and then use that leverage to extract concessions,” said Joshua T. White, a professor at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies. “Even if he succeeds in doing so with Prime Minister Modi, it could leave lasting scars on a relationship that is undeniably consequential to the United States,” White added, as quoted by NYT.
Trump’s pressure tactics extend beyond India. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit this week showed leaders from countries affected by US tariffs, including Egypt, Turkey, Vietnam, and Brazil, gathering with China and Russia. Modi’s meetings with Xi and Putin, including a private conversation with Putin in a Russian limousine, highlight how traditional US allies are exploring alternatives.
Former Biden officials Kurt Campbell and Jake Sullivan warned in Foreign Affairs that strained US-India relations could weaken American technological leadership. “The current trajectory risks a split that would be difficult to mend, to the great detriment of both countries,” they wrote.
Domestic history also plays a role. “I know there’s very serious anger, because the Indian public — don’t forget, after 200 years of colonialism — is not prepared to be dictated to by any foreign power,” said Congress leader Shashi Tharoor.
Meanwhile, Jason Miller, head of a US lobbying firm hired by India, met with President Donald Trump and several administration officials amid the tensions between Washington and New Delhi over trade and tariffs. Miller, who leads SHW Partners LLC, was reportedly hired by the Indian embassy in April for $1.8 million for one year, reports PTI. He did not disclose the purpose of his meetings but shared photos on social media, including one with Trump.
“Fantastic week in Washington with so many friends being in town, topped off of course by having the opportunity to stop in and see our President in-action! Keep up the great work, @POTUS @realDonaldTrump!,” Miller posted.
US-India relations have deteriorated after Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, including an additional 25% duties on India’s purchase of Russian crude oil. India described the move as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.”
Despite the tensions, there were signs of efforts to ease the strain. After Trump described U.S.-India relations as “special” Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded positively, saying on X, “Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump’s sentiments and positive assessment of our ties. India and the US have a very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership.”
(With NYT inputs)
