Former United States President Donald Trump once again made headlines after a controversial post on his Truth Social platform stirred debate on India, Russia, and China’s relations with the US. In his latest remarks, Trump suggested that the United States has “lost” India and Russia to China, pointing to the growing bonhomie between the three nations on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China.

The comments came at a sensitive time when tensions between the United States and its global counterparts remain high, especially over tariffs, the Ukraine conflict, and trade wars. Trump’s words—“Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China. May they have a long and prosperous future together!”—highlighted his discontent with what he perceives as Washington’s slipping global influence. The statement was accompanied by an image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping walking together, signaling a strong trilateral presence at the summit.

The SCO Summit and its significance

The SCO Summit in Tianjin was the largest in the bloc’s history, bringing together 10 member states and nearly 20 invited global leaders. Among the attendees was UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, further emphasizing the international weight carried by the meeting. The summit addressed crucial issues, including regional security, economic cooperation, energy partnerships, and strengthening the Global South.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, in his opening speech, urged all SCO members to “safeguard regional peace and stability” and strengthen multilateralism at a time when global fault lines are sharpening. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the opportunity to hold bilateral meetings with both Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, underlining India’s balancing role between the West and Eurasian partners.

Trump’s grievance over lost allies

Trump’s frustration is not new. He has consistently criticized Washington’s global strategy, arguing that the Biden administration’s handling of Russia and China has been weak. He has also accused successive governments of failing to build a deeper relationship with India, which he sees as critical to counterbalancing Chinese influence.

By stating that the US has “lost India and Russia to China,” Trump was not only reacting to the SCO imagery but also to broader geopolitical shifts. India has historically maintained strategic autonomy, balancing its ties with the US, Russia, and China. Meanwhile, Russia, under Putin, has moved closer to Beijing following Western sanctions over the Ukraine war. For Trump, this evolving triangle is a signal of the United States’ declining grip over key international players.

India’s reaction

When asked about Trump’s comments, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaishwal simply said, “I have no comments to offer.” This restrained response reflects India’s cautious diplomacy, especially when it comes to sensitive remarks by former or current foreign leaders. India has maintained that it works in its own national interest and avoids being drawn into power struggles between global blocs.

The rise of the Global South

One of the underlying themes of the SCO Summit was the emergence of the Global South as a more unified voice. Leaders discussed the need for greater representation in global institutions, the reform of financial systems, and ensuring that developing nations are not left behind in the race for technology, energy, and trade advantages.

India’s role in this movement has been crucial. As one of the fastest-growing economies and a major voice for developing nations, India continues to push for multipolarity in global governance. Modi’s meetings with both Putin and Xi also highlight India’s pragmatic approach: to engage with all major powers while preserving its sovereignty and independence in policymaking.

US-China rivalry and India’s position

The background of Trump’s remarks is deeply tied to the US-China rivalry. Over the years, Washington has attempted to build strong ties with New Delhi as part of the Indo-Pacific strategy to counter Beijing’s assertiveness. However, India’s decision to participate actively in platforms like the SCO—where China and Russia play central roles—illustrates its commitment to multi-alignment rather than bloc politics.

Trump, however, interprets this as the US losing ground. His rhetoric reflects a zero-sum view of global relations, whereas India sees value in engaging with all sides simultaneously. This divergence of perspectives is at the heart of why his remarks struck a chord globally.

The broader geopolitical implications

The growing cooperation among India, Russia, and China at platforms like the SCO does not mean a permanent shift in alliances. Rather, it represents the flexibility of modern diplomacy. India continues to strengthen its strategic partnerships with the US, Japan, and Australia through the Quad, while also remaining a significant player in BRICS and SCO.

Russia, facing isolation from the West, has deepened its dependence on China, while India continues to walk a fine line—importing discounted Russian oil while maintaining security partnerships with Washington. These complex realities underline why Trump’s binary framing may oversimplify the geopolitical shifts of the 21st century.

Trump’s domestic angle

Trump’s statement also serves a domestic political purpose. By criticizing the Biden administration for “losing” allies, he positions himself as a leader who would have strengthened ties with India and kept Russia in check. As the US gears up for its next presidential election cycle, such remarks are likely to resonate with his support base, which often views international relations through the lens of American strength versus weakness.

Conclusion

Trump’s claim that the United States has lost India and Russia to China during the SCO Summit may have sparked controversy, but it also reflects the changing dynamics of global power. The world is no longer bipolar, and nations like India prefer strategic flexibility rather than permanent alignments.

While Trump’s remarks have been dismissed by the Indian government, they shed light on the anxieties within the US political establishment about its role in an increasingly multipolar world. The SCO Summit in Tianjin, where Modi, Putin, and Xi stood side by side, symbolizes not just regional cooperation but also the rise of the Global South as a counterweight to Western dominance.

In the end, whether or not the US has “lost” India and Russia is a matter of perspective. What is certain, however, is that the world order is undergoing a profound transformation, and India is emerging as a central player in shaping the balance between East and West.

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