U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday in a cryptic post expressed concern over shifting global alliances, claiming that the United States has "lost" India and Russia to China. The post, which featured an image of Chinese President Xi Jinping alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, read: "Looks like we've lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest, China. May they have a long and prosperous future together!”
The remark, posted on his Truth Social platform, comes amid escalating US-India trade tensions following Washington's imposition of a 50% tariff on Indian imports and just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China. On August 27, 2025, the Trump administration enforced a 50% tariff on goods from India, citing New Delhi's continued purchases of Russian oil and weapons as indirect support for Moscow's actions in Ukraine. Indian officials have criticised the move as "unilateral and counterproductive," arguing that it overlooks India's energy needs and strategic autonomy in a multipolar world.
The timing is particularly notable following PM Modi's visit to China for the SCO summit held in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1, 2025. During the event, Modi engaged in bilateral talks with Xi Jinping, marking a thaw in India-China relations strained by the 2020 border clashes in Ladakh. The summit also saw Modi, Xi, and Putin discussing regional security, economic cooperation, and counter-terrorism, reinforcing the SCO's role as a platform for Eurasian dialogue. US media outlets have described the viral photo of the trio - PM Modi, President Xi and President Putin as a "chill down the spine" for Americans, viewing it as evidence of a potential new world order challenging Western dominance.
For India, the SCO holds immense strategic significance. As a full member since 2017, New Delhi leverages the forum to enhance connectivity with Central Asia, secure energy supplies, and address cross-border terrorism - issues critical to its national security. The organisation, comprising 10 member states including China, Russia, and Pakistan, facilitates discussions on trade, infrastructure, and cultural exchanges, aligning with India's goals of economic growth and regional stability. At the recent summit, India emphasised eradicating terror financing and promoting socio-economic ties, while avoiding entanglement in great-power rivalries.
Experts in New Delhi see Trump's comment as reflective of US frustration over India's multi-alignment policy, which balances partnerships with Washington through frameworks like the Quad while maintaining independent ties with Moscow and Beijing. "India's engagement in the SCO is about safeguarding our interests, not choosing sides," said a senior diplomat on condition of anonymity. "The tariffs may push us to diversify further, but they won't dictate our foreign policy." The Ministry of External Affairs is yet to issue an official response to Trump's post.
