Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi holding hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin at a summit hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored a geopolitical shift: Washington’s efforts to draw India closer appear to be faltering under President Donald Trump’s foreign policy approach.
For years, successive U.S. administrations have sought to cultivate India as a strategic counterweight to China and Russia. But Trump’s “America First” policies ranging from imposing 50% tariffs on Indian goods to publicly criticizing New Delhi’s purchase of discounted Russian oil have cooled relations. At the same time, U.S. adversaries China, Russia, and North Korea are visibly tightening their own bonds.
Experts say the deterioration stems from Trump’s grievances over trade and immigration, coupled with his decision to publicly praise Pakistan, India’s rival, while claiming credit for easing bilateral tensions. “I fear we are locked into a long downward spiral,” said Ashley Tellis of the Carnegie Endowment, warning that Trump’s prioritization of a trade deal with Beijing risks sidelining India.
Modi’s willingness to engage Xi and Putin marks a striking shift, given decades of Sino-Indian friction, including the deadly border clashes of 2020. His trip to China, his first in seven years, signals New Delhi’s preference for “strategic autonomy” rather than aligning too closely with Washington.
Trump’s team insists the relationship remains strong. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly described Modi and Trump as having a “respectful relationship,” and pointed to ongoing communication across defense, diplomatic, and commercial fronts. Yet, Indian officials privately suggest the U.S. approach is alienating, with one calling recent rhetoric “unjustified.”
The souring ties cast doubt on the future of the Quad, the strategic dialogue among the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia meant to counter China’s influence. India is slated to host a summit later this year, but Trump has not confirmed attendance.
“India won’t simply bow down to Trump,” said Brett Bruen, a former Obama adviser. “They’ve got other options.” For now, those options appear to be Beijing and Moscow.
