India Strengthens Ties With Beijing Amid Trump Tariffs
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin at a regional security summit.
Both leaders pledged to be partners, not rivals, according to official readouts.
They discussed border management, resumption of direct flights, and increased bilateral trade.
Xi said, “It is right for China and India to be friends who have good neighborly and amicable ties.”
He added that both nations should enable each other’s success and “have the dragon and the elephant dance together.”
India’s Economic Measures Amid Trump’s Trade War
Modi is seeking to boost India’s economy while US tariffs threaten exports.
He has cut taxes to increase domestic spending and stimulate growth.
India is pursuing new markets as the US remains its largest export destination.
Citigroup estimates the tariffs could reduce India’s annual growth rate by up to 0.8 percentage points.
Before the China trip, Modi visited Japan to secure investment pledges of up to ¥10 trillion ($68 billion).
The Japan-India pact covers cooperation in semiconductors, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and space.
India Engages Russia as Trump Criticizes Oil Purchases
Modi is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Tianjin summit.
Trump has criticized India for buying oil from Russia, accusing it of funding the Russian war effort in Ukraine.
Peter Navarro said India is “fueling the Russian war machine” and described it as “a laundromat for the Kremlin.”
Indian officials have defended the long-standing energy relationship, noting prior US encouragement to stabilize global oil prices.
Modi spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy before the trip, reiterating a call for peace.
Zelenskiy stated India is prepared to “deliver the appropriate signal” during meetings in Tianjin.
Diplomatic Implications for India
Experts say Trump’s actions have demonstrated India cannot fully depend on US relations.
Former Indian ambassador Anil Trigunayat said, “It’s important for countries like India to find its own path and own partners.”
India’s engagement with Beijing and Moscow shows a strategic pivot amid global trade tensions.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit provided a platform for these discussions and multilateral dialogue.
India continues to balance its international relations while pursuing economic and security interests.
India Looks Ahead With Global Partnerships
Modi’s meetings with Xi and Putin signal an effort to strengthen India’s position on the global stage.
Trade, energy, and security cooperation were key topics in both bilateral and multilateral discussions.
These engagements occur alongside ongoing challenges from Trump’s trade measures targeting Indian goods.
Related: Lavrov Declares Zelensky ‘Not Legitimate’ to Sign Agreements Under Ukrainian Constitution
India is leveraging diplomatic and economic initiatives to ensure stability and growth.
Future visits and discussions are expected to further solidify India’s international partnerships.
