In a dramatic series of statements, former US President Donald Trump has executed a significant policy reversal regarding India, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's diplomatic engagements with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. The shift comes after initial criticism from Trump over India's foreign policy and trade stance.
From 'Sulking' to Friendship: Trump's Remarkable Reversal
Earlier, Trump had expressed strong disapproval, suggesting the United States had "lost India to China" due to its strategic partnerships. This sentiment was compounded by his trade adviser's anger over the perceived bonhomie between Modi, Putin, and Xi at the SCO gathering in Samarkand. The adviser labeled the situation a "shame" and accused it of flipping the US's tariff strategy.
In a sharp response to US pressure, PM Modi delivered a strong message at the SCO, criticizing "selfish economies" and their policies, which was widely seen as a rebuke to Trump's tariff threats. Concurrently, India maintained its independent stance by continuing to purchase Russian oil, defying a reported 24-hour ultimatum from the Trump camp to stop.
The Catalysts: SCO Diplomacy and India's Defiance
The turning point appears to be India's steadfast foreign policy. Despite facing threats of escalated tariffs—with Trump at one point declaring a 25% additional duty on Indian goods—India refused to snub Russia or reject its oil. This defiance, coupled with Modi's successful bilateral meetings with both Putin and Xi on the sidelines of the SCO, showcased India's strategic autonomy.
Following this, Trump made a stunning U-turn. He retracted his previous claims, stating unequivocally, "Modi & I will always be friends." This complete reversal highlights the complex interplay of global diplomacy where public posturing can quickly give way to pragmatic realignments.
Broader Regional Context and Domestic Developments
The international trade drama unfolded alongside significant domestic events in India. PM Modi made his first visit to Jammu & Kashmir after the Pahalgam terror attack, where he declared that Pakistan had attacked the ethos of 'Kashmiriyat'. In a tragic natural disaster, a landslide triggered by the swelling River Teesta hit an Indian Army camp in Sikkim, killing three personnel and leaving six others missing.
On the diplomatic front, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor mocked Pakistan's aspirations on Kashmir during a speech in Guyana, remarking they desire "something they don't have." Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov declared that President Putin would not meet Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, a statement that reportedly shocked Trump and added another layer to the evolving geopolitical landscape.
The sequence of events underscores a critical moment in India-US relations under the shadow of great power competition. India's multi-alignment strategy, balancing ties with the US, Russia, and China, continues to be a delicate but assertive act on the world stage. Trump's ultimate U-turn suggests a recognition of India's pivotal role and the limits of coercive trade tactics against a determined and strategically located nation.
