Trump Criticizes India and Russia's Growing Ties with China

Post by : Monika

Photo: Reuters

On September 5, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump made headlines by criticizing India and Russia for increasing their diplomatic and economic ties with China. His remarks came after a summit in Tianjin, China, hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump’s comments, shared on social media,

suggested that both India and Russia are being drawn closer to China, which he described as “deepest, darkest China.” He added a note of caution about the changing global dynamics and implied that these developments could weaken U.S. influence in Asia and beyond.

The summit, part of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), brought together leaders from over 20 countries, including India, Russia, China, and several Central Asian nations.

This regional forum focuses on security, economic cooperation, and political collaboration among its members. The event was notable not only for its diplomatic discussions but also for a photograph that symbolized growing unity among China, Russia, and India. In the image, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi were seen walking hand-in-hand toward Xi Jinping, signaling a display of mutual respect and collaboration among the three leaders.

Trump’s social media post quickly drew global attention. He wrote: “Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China. May they have a long and prosperous future together!” He later clarified that he did not believe India was completely “lost” to China but expressed concern over India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, which he sees as indirectly supporting Russia’s actions amid global conflicts.

Background on the SCO Summit

The Tianjin summit marked an important moment in international diplomacy, highlighting how non-Western countries are seeking closer cooperation outside of traditional Western-led institutions. The SCO, originally founded in 2001, has grown in influence over the years, with China and Russia using it as a platform to strengthen their strategic and economic ties with member states.

India’s participation in the SCO summit reflects its careful balancing act in international relations. While India maintains a growing strategic partnership with the United States, it has historically maintained strong ties with Russia, particularly in defense, nuclear energy, and energy sectors.

This dual approach allows India to protect its national interests while navigating the complex geopolitical landscape of Asia.

During the summit, leaders discussed regional security issues, trade agreements, counterterrorism measures, and infrastructure projects. China emphasized its commitment to economic growth and connectivity in the region, while Russia highlighted the importance of collective security and energy cooperation. India, meanwhile, focused on economic development, infrastructure projects, and maintaining balanced relations with both China and Russia.

Trump’s Perspective on India and Russia

Trump’s comments come amid his continued influence in U.S. politics, particularly among conservatives. He suggested that the U.S. might be losing influence over two key countries in Asia due to their increasing engagement with China.

According to Trump, India’s purchase of Russian oil is a point of concern because it supports Russia financially while the U.S. has imposed sanctions on Russia over geopolitical conflicts.

Despite the criticism, Trump also emphasized his personal admiration for Prime Minister Modi. He stated, “I’ll always be friends with Modi. He’s a great prime minister. He’s great. I’ll always be friends, but I just don’t like what he’s doing at this particular moment.” This shows that while Trump is concerned about India’s geopolitical moves, he still respects the personal relationship between the two leaders.

Trump’s comments on Russia were more pointed, reflecting U.S. concerns over Moscow’s alignment with Beijing. He implied that Russia is increasingly cooperating with China, which could create challenges for U.S. foreign policy in Europe and Asia.

The former president’s remarks highlight the ongoing debate in the U.S. over how to respond to the growing partnership between China and Russia.

India’s Position and Response

India has not officially responded to Trump’s comments. Its foreign ministry declined to provide a statement, emphasizing that India’s foreign policy is guided by its national interests rather than external opinions. India has consistently maintained that it seeks balanced relations with all major powers, including the United States, Russia, and China.

India’s continued engagement with Russia, especially in energy imports and defense contracts, is motivated by practical considerations. Russian oil is a significant energy source for India, and defense cooperation has been a longstanding part of the bilateral relationship.

At the same time, India has strengthened its partnership with the U.S., including in areas such as trade, technology, and security cooperation.

Experts suggest that India is carefully managing its foreign relations to ensure it does not become overly dependent on any single country. This strategy allows India to maintain strategic autonomy and make decisions based on its national priorities rather than aligning strictly with one global power.

Global Implications of the Summit

The growing ties between China, Russia, and India have implications for the broader international community. If these three major countries deepen cooperation, it could shift global economic and security dynamics, potentially challenging U.S. influence in Asia and beyond.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative, combined with Russia’s energy exports and India’s growing economic power, creates a bloc that could influence trade routes, regional security policies, and international financial systems. Western nations, particularly the U.S., are closely monitoring these developments to assess potential risks and adjust their foreign policy strategies accordingly.

The SCO summit also highlighted the role of non-Western institutions in global governance. Countries that participate in these forums are increasingly seeking alternatives to Western-dominated organizations like NATO or the International Monetary Fund. This trend reflects a multipolar world where global influence is shared among several key players rather than concentrated in the West.

Challenges for U.S. Foreign Policy

Trump’s comments underline the challenges the U.S. faces in maintaining influence in Asia. Balancing relations with India, managing tensions with Russia, and addressing the rise of China require careful diplomacy. The U.S. has invested heavily in partnerships and alliances across Asia, including with Japan, South Korea, and Australia. However, India’s engagement with Russia and China introduces complexity into these strategies.

Trade, defense, and energy are key areas where U.S.-India cooperation may face hurdles. For instance, India’s purchase of Russian oil directly affects U.S. policy objectives, particularly sanctions aimed at limiting Russia’s geopolitical leverage. At the same time, India’s focus on national development and security means it must balance its relationships with multiple powers.

Experts suggest that the U.S. may need to adopt a more nuanced approach, recognizing India’s strategic autonomy while encouraging cooperation in areas such as technology, defense, and climate change. Similarly, relations with Russia and China will require careful management to avoid escalation while protecting U.S. interests globally.

The Tianjin summit and Trump’s comments highlight the shifting landscape of global alliances. India and Russia’s growing ties with China illustrate how countries are pursuing their own interests while navigating a complex international system.

While Trump expressed concern about losing influence over these countries, India’s approach shows a careful balancing act that prioritizes national interests over alignment with any single power.

For the United States, these developments present both challenges and opportunities. Diplomatic engagement, economic incentives, and strategic partnerships will be key to maintaining influence and ensuring stability in the region. As global power dynamics continue to evolve, the relationships between the U.S., India, Russia, and China will play a critical role in shaping international politics for years to come.

Trump’s remarks serve as a reminder that global alliances are fluid, and that countries are continuously reassessing their relationships based on shifting economic, security, and political interests. While the U.S. may face challenges, thoughtful diplomacy and continued engagement can help manage these complex dynamics effectively.

India-China relations