United States has lost India and Russia to China, Trump laments

United States President Donald Trump has claimed the United States has "lost" India and Russia to China in a post on his Truth Social platform. The statement, shared on 5 September 2025, included a photograph from the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, showing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Trump sarcastically wished the leaders a "long and prosperous future together," reflecting frustration with the growing ties among the three nations. The post has sparked debate about shifting global alliances, particularly as the US navigates strained relations with both India and Russia amid escalating trade disputes. At the same time, the US president refuses to acknowledge his own faults that caused the turn of events.

Context: Tariff tensions escalate

Trump’s remarks follow his administration’s imposition of a 50% tariff on Indian goods, accompanied by an additional 25% duty tied to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, despite Western sanctions. These measures, announced earlier this year, have significantly strained US-India relations. Trump has previously criticised India for imposing high tariffs on American products, calling them "the highest in the world." In response, India has introduced retaliatory tariffs on US goods, further complicating bilateral trade ties.

The SCO Summit, held from 2-4 September in Tianjin, highlighted cooperation among member states, with Modi, Putin, and Xi discussing trade, security, and regional stability, a display some analysts interpret as a counter to US influence.

India’s response: Diplomatic restraint

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has not directly addressed Trump’s social media post. During a press briefing on September 5, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated the importance of India-US relations, stating, "We value our partnership with the United States, but we have no comment on this specific post at this time."

India’s cautious response reflects its strategic balancing act, as it maintains ties with both Western and Eastern powers. The Tianjin summit marked Modi’s first visit to China in seven years, where he held talks with Xi on border disputes and economic cooperation, underscoring India’s growing engagement with the SCO.

Geopolitical implications: A shifting landscape

Trump’s comments highlight concerns about diminishing US influence in Asia as India, China, and Russia deepen their cooperation. The SCO, originally a security-focused group, has evolved into a platform for economic and geopolitical collaboration, often viewed as a counterweight to Western alliances like NATO. The Tianjin summit showcased a rare warmth between Modi, Putin, and Xi, with discussions on strengthening multilateral trade and energy partnerships.

Some analysts describe the event as a "turning point," suggesting it signals a broader realignment in global politics. Trump’s earlier posts accused China, Russia, and North Korea of "conspiring" against the Americans during a Beijing military parade marking the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end, further framing his narrative of a coordinated challenge to American dominance.

Future outlook: Challenges ahead

The tariff dispute and Trump’s remarks risk further straining US relations with India, a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region. The Biden administration had previously strengthened ties with New Delhi to counter China’s influence, but the current trade war threatens to push India closer to Beijing and Moscow. Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine and India’s neutral stance add complexity to the situation. Observers note that India’s strategic autonomy allows it to navigate these tensions, but the SCO’s growing prominence may challenge US efforts to maintain influence in Asia. As global alliances shift, the fallout from Trump’s comments will likely remain a focal point in diplomatic circles.

This story is developing and will be updated as new information becomes available.