Former US President Donald Trump stirred global debate on Friday with a striking statement suggesting that both India and Russia appear to be moving closer to China. His comments come just days after the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping were photographed engaging in discussions.
In a post on his platform Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China. May they have a long and prosperous future together.” The post was accompanied by an image of Modi, Putin, and Xi from the recently concluded SCO meeting.
Trump’s remark is being widely seen as a reflection of shifting global alliances and Washington’s concerns about stronger ties between Moscow, Beijing, and New Delhi. Over the years, India has pursued strategic autonomy, balancing its relationships with the United States, Russia, and China. However, Trump’s statement implies a perception of India moving closer to a China-Russia bloc, especially in the wake of growing geopolitical tensions and trade conflicts.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi, however, chose not to engage with Trump’s provocative comments. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, addressing reporters at the weekly press briefing, stated, “I have no comments to offer on this post at this time.” His measured response underscored India’s reluctance to get drawn into public debates over remarks made by foreign leaders on social media.
Analysts suggest that Trump’s words could be aimed at influencing domestic US political discourse as much as international perception. The post comes amid his continued criticism of current American foreign policy, particularly in Asia. By pointing to India and Russia allegedly aligning with China, Trump may be attempting to underline what he views as Washington’s waning influence in the region.
The SCO Summit in Tianjin had already drawn attention due to the visible camaraderie among the three leaders. For China, the optics underscored its leadership role in regional forums. For Russia, it signaled enduring partnerships despite Western sanctions. For India, participation reflected its long-standing membership in the bloc and an effort to maintain open channels of dialogue with multiple global powers.
While Trump’s post has triggered discussions across political and diplomatic circles, India’s restrained response suggests New Delhi is keen on maintaining its carefully balanced foreign policy, avoiding public confrontations over international perceptions.
