The past week witnessed significant geopolitical tremors, primarily centered around India's foreign policy and its repercussions on relations with the United States under a potential future Trump administration. The dynamics involved a mix of public statements, trade threats, and India's steadfast diplomatic engagements at multilateral forums.
Trump's Volatile Stance and Sudden U-Turn
Former US President Donald Trump initially expressed strong discontent, suggesting that the United States had "lost" India to China, a comment perceived as criticism of India's foreign policy orientation. This was quickly followed by what observers called a 'stunning U-turn,' where Trump asserted that he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi "will always be friends." However, this diplomatic reassurance was juxtaposed with aggressive trade actions. Trump declared a virtual 'war' on trade, announcing the imposition of an additional 25% in tariffs, explicitly linking this move to India's refusal to snub Russian President Vladimir Putin and cease purchasing Russian oil. His trade adviser echoed this rage, labeling the camaraderie between Modi, Putin, and Xi Jinping at the SCO summit as a 'shame.'
Modi's Firm Response at the SCO Summit
Amidst these pressures, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's actions at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit sent a clear message. Engaging with both Putin and Xi, Modi was reported to have "savagely torched" Trump's tariff policies, criticizing them as tools of "selfish economies." This firm stance underscored India's commitment to its strategic autonomy and its right to engage with multiple global powers based on national interest. The bonhomie displayed among the leaders of India, Russia, and China at the summit was seen as a direct counter to the US's tariff gambit, flipping the script on Washington's pressure tactics.
Broader Regional and Domestic Developments
Parallel to these high-stakes international maneuvers, critical events unfolded within India and on its borders. In a significant domestic move, PM Modi visited Jammu & Kashmir for the first time since the Pahalgam terror attack. During his visit, he made a strong declaration, stating that Pakistan had attacked "Kashmiriyat" (the ethos of Kashmir). On a tragic note, a massive landslide triggered by the swelling of the Teesta river hit an Indian Army camp in Sikkim, resulting in three personnel killed and six missing. In the diplomatic arena, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor mocked Pakistan's aspirations on Kashmir during a speech in Guyana, remarking that they "want something they don't have." Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov added another layer to global politics by declaring that President Putin would not meet Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, a statement aimed at shocking Western audiences.
The confluence of these events paints a picture of a nation navigating a complex global order. India is simultaneously defending its economic choices, managing a volatile relationship with a key partner like the US, engaging in regional diplomacy, and addressing internal security challenges. The week underscored the delicate balance India must maintain between asserting its strategic independence and managing the expectations of powerful allies.
