Trump Says ‘We’ve Lost India and Russia to Darkest China’ After SCO Summit

U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday claimed that the United States seems to have “lost” India and Russia to “darkest China,” raising alarms about shifting global alliances. His comment came shortly after the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Vladimir Putin, and President Xi Jinping appeared together in a show of unity that caught international attention. Sharing the photo of the Modi-Xi-Putin trio, Trump wrote: “Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest, China. May they have a long and prosperous future together!” This remark underscores growing U.S. concerns over China’s rising influence and India-Russia’s deepening ties with Beijing.

SCO Summit Sparks Concerns in Washington

The SCO meeting showcased a rare moment of camaraderie among Modi, Putin, and Xi. The leaders relaxed and friendly interaction sent a strong message to the world about India and Russia’s willingness to engage closely with China while observers in the West interpreted this as a subtle challenge to the U.S., especially amid ongoing trade tensions. Trump’s social media post, with the photo of the trio, added sharp commentary on the perceived shift in alliances.

Trade Tensions Deepen the Rift

The backdrop to Trump’s concerns is the worsening trade relationship between the U.S. and India. Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, citing India’s oil imports from Russia as a factor while he called the U.S.-India relationship “a one-sided disaster,” arguing that India sells massive amounts of goods to the U.S. while buying little in return. These policies, according to former officials, have pushed India closer to China.

Former Officials Blame Trump for Diplomatic Drift

Ex-U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton noted that the once-strong personal rapport between Modi and Trump no longer exists, blaming Trump for setting bilateral ties back by decades. Jake Sullivan added that the “massive trade offensive” forced India to engage more with China, portraying the U.S. as a disruptive force on the global stage and meanwhile, China has gained in popularity and influence, while the U.S. brand faces declining perception in many countries.

Geopolitical Implications

The statement highlights a broader geopolitical shift while India and Russia’s strategic engagement with China could reshape regional power balances, affecting trade, diplomacy, and security considerations and the SCO summit’s optics reinforce the narrative of a rising China, with the U.S. now struggling to maintain its influence in Asia.

A Warning for U.S. Strategy

Trump’s statement serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of alliances and the impact of trade and foreign policy decisions and the U.S. faces a critical moment to rethink its approach to India, Russia, and China to prevent further erosion of influence in Asia.