US President Donald Trump has voiced concern over the growing alignment of India and Russia with China, suggesting that the United States is losing influence in the region. His comments came after the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, where India and Russia highlighted closer cooperation.
Trump criticized India’s ongoing purchase of discounted Russian oil, claiming it indirectly funds Russia’s war in Ukraine. In response, the US had earlier imposed a 50% tariff on a wide range of Indian goods, straining bilateral relations. Indian officials, however, defended their energy deals as being in the country’s national interest.
In a post on Truth Social on September 5, US President Trump said, “Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest, China. May they have a long and prosperous future together!”
Despite Washington’s pressure, India has been fostering ties with both Russia and China. Ahead of the SCO summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping, signalling a shift in India’s foreign policy toward balancing relationships with major global powers.
Analysts say these developments may reshape the geopolitical landscape, challenging the traditional influence of the United States in the region.
