US President Donald Trump has expressed concern that both India and Russia are gravitating towards China, following a recent summit hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump made his remarks via social media, suggesting that the two nations appear to have been “lost” to what he referred to as the “deepest, darkest China.” His comments came after a meeting that included Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who both attended the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Tianjin, China.
Trump’s social media post featured a photograph of the three leaders together, accompanied by his message wishing for a “long and prosperous future” for the trio. The US President’s statement underscores a perceived shift in global alliances as China seeks to strengthen its position on the world stage.
When asked about Trump’s comments on Friday, an official spokesperson from the Indian foreign ministry declined to provide a response, highlighting a potential diplomatic sensitivity surrounding the issue. Efforts to reach representatives from Beijing and Moscow for their views on Trump’s remarks were unsuccessful.
At the summit, which took place earlier this week, Modi and Putin were seen walking together, holding hands before joining Xi for a group photo. The visual representation of camaraderie among the three leaders is notable, especially in light of Trump’s ongoing tensions with India.
Trump’s criticism of Modi’s warming ties with China comes amid a backdrop of strained US-India relations. The US has faced challenges in its partnership with India, particularly related to trade disputes and other geopolitical frictions. Earlier in the week, Trump expressed disappointment in Putin but stated he was not alarmed by the deepening ties between Russia and China.
The developments at the Tianjin summit reflect a broader trend in international relations, where alliances may be shifting as countries navigate complex geopolitical landscapes. As China continues to expand its influence, both India and Russia are evaluating their positions on the global stage, potentially reshaping the dynamics of power in the region.
