President Donald J. Trump said that India and Russia appear to be moving closer to China, a remark that comes amid escalating trade tensions between Washington and New Delhi.
In a post, Trump wrote: “Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China. May they have a long and prosperous future together!” The message included a photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi walking with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin.
One day later, Trump clarified his remarks, saying he remained on good terms with Modi. Speaking from the Oval Office, he described Modi as “a great prime minister” and “a friend,” while noting, “I don’t like what he’s doing at this particular moment.” He also said the United States and India share a “special relationship.”
The statements follow Washington’s decision to impose new tariffs on Indian imports. The U.S. introduced a 25 percent reciprocal tariff and then added another 25 percent penalty tied to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, bringing the total tariff rate to 50 percent.
White House trade officials said India’s oil trade with Moscow was being done “purely to profit” and claimed that the revenue supported Russia’s war effort.
India has defended its energy policy and emphasized that national interests would guide its decisions. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said India would continue to exercise strategic autonomy, while the finance ministry confirmed that New Delhi will keep buying Russian oil despite the higher U.S. tariffs.
The tariff dispute, which began in August 2025, has become a major source of tension in U.S.–India relations. The issue has drawn global attention as leaders in New Delhi, Moscow, and Beijing display closer ties during high-profile summits, while Washington seeks to maintain its strategic partnership with India.
