Former US President Donald Trump has claimed that America has “lost India and Russia to China.” While the comment reflects a changing world order, analysts argue that Trump himself played a major role in this shift — thanks to his punitive tariffs, harsh rhetoric, and short-sighted diplomacy.
Trump Half-Truth on India and China
In a recent post on his Truth Social platform, Trump lamented that India and Russia had aligned themselves with “the darkest, deepest China.”
Experts say he was only half right. India and Russia are indeed strengthening ties with Beijing, but Trump ignored the fact that his own policies strained decades of careful diplomacy between Washington and New Delhi.
- He imposed steep tariffs on Indian steel, aluminum, and exports.
- He criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi policies publicly.
- His allies often mocked India trade practices and leadership.
Together, these moves made India look elsewhere — particularly toward Russia and China through groupings like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
How Trump Policies Hurt US-India Relations
For nearly three decades, American administrations — both Republican and Democratic — worked to cultivate India as a strategic counterweight to China.
Trump disrupted that progress with his “America First” approach:
- Punitive Tariffs: Heavy duties on Indian exports damaged businesses.
- Public Insults: Trump aides targeted Indian leaders and trade practices.
- Strategic Oversight: By treating India as a trade rival, he overlooked its value as a long-term ally in Asia.
Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton put it bluntly: “Trump shredded decades of diplomacy with his disastrous tariff policy.”
India Diplomatic Restraint
Despite the provocations, New Delhi has remained cautious. When asked about Trump remarks, the Ministry of External Affairs declined to comment.
Analysts say India prefers quiet diplomacy, even as it deepens ties with Moscow and Beijing. This fits India strategy of “multi-alignment” — engaging with multiple power blocs without fully siding with any one.
But experts warn that Trump aggressive policies accelerated India drift away from Washington, weakening US influence in Asia.
Trump Allies Escalate the Rhetoric
Trump aides have continued the confrontational tone:
- Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told Bloomberg TV that India must “say sorry” and return to the table on Trump terms, warning of more tariffs otherwise.
- Peter Navarro mocked Indian business leaders online and even shared an image of PM Modi in saffron robes, further straining trust.
These remarks, analysts say, have left New Delhi increasingly wary of Washington.
A Turning Point in Global Diplomacy
Geopolitical observers see this as part of a larger global realignment.
- India is expanding energy and defense ties with Russia.
- It is working with China in multilateral forums like BRICS and SCO.
- The US, once India natural partner against China, risks losing its influence due to Trump-era policies.
This shift suggests a new world order, where countries like India assert greater independence instead of relying on traditional Western alliances.
Who Really “Lost” India?
While Trump blames China for pulling India away, analysts say his own tariffs, short-term thinking, and divisive rhetoric played the biggest role.
As Bolton summed up:
“The West spent decades trying to wean India away from Russia and warn it about China. Donald Trump has undone those efforts.”
