US-India Ties Strain as Modi Strengthens China, Russia Bonds

Recent photos of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi holding hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin at a summit hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin have raised eyebrows, signaling a shift in India’s foreign policy.

For years, U.S. leaders have worked to bring India closer as a partner to balance the influence of China and Russia. However, President Donald Trump’s recent moves, like slapping 50% tariffs on Indian goods and publicly criticizing India for buying affordable Russian oil, have strained this relationship.

Modi’s trip to China—his first in seven years—and his friendly interactions with Putin show India is warming up to Moscow and Beijing. This comes at a time when U.S.-India ties are fraying, partly due to Trump rejecting India’s trade proposals and praising Pakistan, India’s longtime rival, while taking credit for easing tensions between the two—a claim India sees as meddling.

• US-India Relations Strained as Modi Strengthens Ties with China and Russia
• Trump’s Tariffs and Oil Criticism Push India Closer to Moscow and Beijing
• Quad Summit in Doubt Amid Growing Rift Between Washington and New Delhi

Ashley Tellis, a former White House official, said Trump’s focus on securing a trade deal with China is overshadowing other priorities, potentially pushing U.S.-India relations into a “downward spiral.”

India’s growing closeness with China is surprising, given past tensions, including a 2020 border clash. Still, Modi and Xi are now talking trade and border issues. Tanvi Madan from the Brookings Institution pointed out that U.S. criticism of Modi’s meetings with Xi and Putin feels inconsistent, especially since Trump has also reached out to these leaders. This only strengthens India’s desire to chart its own course.

The upcoming Quad summit in India, meant to focus on countering China, is now in doubt as Trump hasn’t confirmed his attendance, prioritizing a China trade deal instead. Experts like Brett Bruen note that India, with its history and independence, won’t easily bend to U.S. pressure and has other partners to turn to.

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White House spokesperson Anna Kelly defended Trump’s approach, highlighting his foreign policy successes and ongoing talks with India. Still, with Modi cozying up to U.S. rivals, rebuilding trust with India may be a tough road ahead.