Trump Warns India and Russia Are Tilting Toward China/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump suggested India and Russia may be drifting closer to China after their leaders met with Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. While Trump expressed frustration, particularly over India’s Russian oil purchases, he later stressed U.S.-India ties remain strong. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed a “special relationship” with Washington.
Trump on India, Russia, and China: Quick Looks
- Trump says India and Russia look “lost” to China.
- Social media post showed photo of Modi, Putin, Xi together.
- Later clarified U.S. “hasn’t lost India” but voiced frustration.
- Criticized India’s continued oil imports from Russia.
- SCO summit in Tianjin hosted by Xi Jinping with 20+ leaders.
- Modi, Putin seen holding hands before meeting Xi.
- Trump says he’ll “always be friends” with Modi.
- Modi calls U.S.-India relationship “forward-looking” and “special.”
- Trump “very disappointed” in Putin but not worried about China ties.
- Frustrated at lack of progress ending Russia-Ukraine war.
Deep Look: Trump Voices Concerns Over India and Russia Drifting Toward China at Xi’s Summit
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Friday suggested that both India and Russia appear to be leaning closer to China after their leaders met with Chinese President Xi Jinping this week at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin.
On his social media platform, Trump shared a photo of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Xi standing together, writing:
“Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China. May they have a long and prosperous future together!”
Later Clarification: U.S.-India Ties Still Strong
Hours later, Trump softened his remarks, telling reporters he didn’t believe the U.S. had actually “lost” India. Instead, he expressed irritation at New Delhi’s continued oil purchases from Russia, which have expanded since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
“I don’t think we have [lost India],” Trump said. “I’ve been very disappointed that India would be buying so much oil from Russia. And I let them know that.”
Despite the criticism, Trump emphasized his personal relationship with Modi:
“I’ll always be friends with Modi. He’s a great prime minister. We just don’t like what he’s doing at this particular moment. But India and the United States have a special relationship.”
India’s Response: Partnership With U.S. Still Intact
India’s foreign ministry declined direct comment on Trump’s post. But early Saturday, Modi responded diplomatically on X, writing:
“Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump’s sentiments and positive assessment of our ties.”
He described the U.S.-India relationship as a “very positive, forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership.”
Summit Highlights: SCO as Counterweight to West
The SCO summit brought together more than 20 leaders of non-Western countries, underlining Beijing’s effort to strengthen alternative global alliances. Modi and Putin were photographed walking hand-in-hand before greeting Xi, a symbolic image that fueled Trump’s irritation.
Trump has already cooled aspects of U.S.-India relations during his second term due to trade disputes and disagreements over tariffs, though both nations continue to cooperate in defense and technology.
Russia, China, and the Ukraine War
Trump has also voiced frustration with Putin, admitting he was “very disappointed” in Russia’s leader. Still, he downplayed concerns about Russia’s growing ties with China, saying he wasn’t alarmed by the dynamic.
His greatest source of irritation remains the Russia-Ukraine war, now in its third year. Trump has made repeated — but unsuccessful — efforts to broker peace.
“I plan to talk to Putin soon,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Thursday night, suggesting his efforts to mediate are ongoing.
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