In a recent remark, US President Donald Trump expressed frustration, saying the United States has “lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest, China” after leaders of the three countries were seen together at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin. Trump shared a photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the summit, symbolizing a warming of ties between the three nations.
This diplomatic shift comes after the Trump administration imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, citing India’s continued purchase of Russian oil as a factor. Trump accused India of benefiting from Russian crude and described the US-India relationship as historically one-sided. Analysts like former National Security Adviser John Bolton noted the “bromance” between Trump and Modi has faded, marking a turning point in bilateral relations. The US tariffs have created economic and strategic tensions, pushing India closer to Russia and China.
At the SCO summit, Modi and Xi Jinping pledged to resolve border disputes and enhance trade, signaling an effort to move past previous hostilities. China has criticized US tariffs, while India insists that buying affordable Russian oil supports its domestic interests. Experts view these developments as evidence that India is seeking greater strategic autonomy, embracing multipolarism over siding with the West.
Trump’s statement and subsequent policy moves have fostered cooperation among India, Russia, and China, challenging the long-standing US-dominated global order. The emergence of this new alliance is widely seen as a significant evolution in international relations, shaping global power balances in the years ahead.
