Trump Reacts to India and Russia’s Meeting with Xi Jinping at SCO Summit
WASHINGTON, Sept 6 (Reuters) – Former U.S. President Donald Trump voiced his frustration on Friday after the leaders of India and Russia met with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a high-profile international summit. The meeting, held in Tianjin under the banner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), brought together over 20 non-Western leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump took to social media soon after images of the three leaders together went viral. In his post, he suggested that the United States had “lost” India and Russia to China, a country he often criticizes for trying to reshape the global order and challenge U.S. influence.
“Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest, China. May they have a long and prosperous future together!” Trump wrote, sharing a photograph of Xi, Modi, and Putin standing side by side.
The remark quickly attracted global attention, given the sensitive nature of U.S.-India relations and Washington’s already strained ties with Russia and China. Trump’s words seemed to underline his concern about China’s growing role in building a new world order with Moscow and possibly New Delhi.
Later the same day, however, Trump softened his stance. Speaking to reporters, he clarified that he did not truly believe the United States had “lost” India. Instead, he highlighted his disappointment with India’s decision to continue purchasing Russian oil despite U.S. pressure.
“I don’t think we have [lost India],” Trump said. “I’ve been very disappointed that India would be buying so much oil, as you know, from Russia. And I let them know that.”
This reflected a key friction point in U.S.-India strategic ties. Washington has urged countries to reduce energy cooperation with Moscow since the conflict in Ukraine, while India has increased its reliance on discounted Russian crude oil to fuel its economic growth.
When asked about Trump’s statement, India’s Ministry of External Affairs declined to comment. The Chinese foreign ministry also remained silent, and representatives of the Kremlin could not be immediately reached.
The SCO summit in Tianjin was seen as a show of unity among countries outside the Western bloc. Xi Jinping welcomed more than 20 leaders, with Putin and Modi drawing the most attention. A striking moment occurred when Putin and Modi were photographed walking hand in hand toward Xi before the three stood together. Analysts viewed the image as symbolic of shifting global alliances.
Trump’s reaction was mixed. While he criticized India’s oil trade with Russia, he continued to praise Prime Minister Modi personally.
“I’ll always be friends with Modi,” Trump said. “He’s a great prime minister. He’s great. I’ll always be friends, but I just don’t like what he’s doing at this particular moment. But India and the United States have a special relationship. There’s nothing to worry about. We just have moments on occasion.”
In response, Modi offered a diplomatic reply on social media.
“Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump’s sentiments and positive assessment of our ties,” Modi wrote.
The Indian leader stressed the importance of the India-U.S. partnership, calling it a “very positive, forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership.”
The controversy reflects larger geopolitical trends. During Trump’s presidency, U.S.-India trade relations faced challenges over tariffs and economic disputes. Meanwhile, Russia and China have deepened cooperation in defense, energy, and foreign policy, strengthening their partnership. Trump admitted he was “very disappointed” with Putin but added that he was not overly concerned about Moscow’s growing closeness with Beijing.
This episode highlights the delicate balancing act facing the United States as it tries to maintain strong ties with India while countering Russia-China cooperation and China’s ambition to reshape the global order through organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
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