Strong Optics at the SCO Summit in Tianjin
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cordial interactions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin have drawn global attention. The high-profile meetings came at a time when the United States has imposed heavy tariffs on Indian goods, raising eyebrows in Washington over New Delhi’s strengthening ties with Moscow and Beijing.
Modi and Putin: Symbolism of a Strong Bond
Modi and Putin’s friendship was on full display during the summit. In a rare gesture, the two leaders rode together in the same car on their way to a meeting, where Putin reportedly waited 10 minutes for Modi. Smiles, handshakes, and warm embraces underscored their personal rapport, even as they engaged in difficult discussions on trade, regional stability, and the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Observers noted that such gestures carry strategic weight, symbolising the resilience of India–Russia ties despite mounting Western pressure over Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
Modi–Xi Meeting: First Visit to China in Seven Years
The summit also marked Modi’s first visit to China since the Galwan clash of 2020, which had severely strained bilateral relations. The meeting with Xi Jinping was seen as a step towards rebuilding confidence between the two Asian giants. Issues of trade, connectivity, and border management were discussed, signalling a cautious thaw in ties.
US Reaction: Navarro’s Sharp Criticism
Washington has reacted with concern to India’s growing proximity with Russia and China. Peter Navarro, trade advisor to then-President Donald Trump, criticised New Delhi’s “alignment with adversaries.”
“India must be on our side, not Russia’s or China’s,” Navarro remarked, citing India’s purchase of Russian oil as a major sticking point. He announced that the U.S. had imposed effective 50 percent tariffs on Indian exports—25 percent due to trade imbalances and another 25 percent linked to India’s continued import of Russian crude oil, which Washington argues is financing Moscow’s military campaign.
These tariffs, targeting steel, textiles, and farm products, represent a major blow to India–U.S. trade relations.
SCO: A Platform for the Global South
China, as host of the SCO Summit, welcomed over 20 world leaders in Tianjin. The summit showcased solidarity among members of the Global South and reflected a shift towards multipolarity in global trade and diplomacy. For India, deepening ties with Beijing and Moscow comes at a time when American tariffs are beginning to bite.
India’s Policy of Strategic Autonomy
Analysts view Modi’s moves as part of India’s long-standing policy of “strategic autonomy.” New Delhi seeks to balance relationships with major powers without aligning exclusively with any one bloc. The optics of Modi’s camaraderie with Putin—especially the symbolic car ride—have heightened U.S. anxieties, reinforcing the perception of India’s independent path.
Economic Pressures and India’s Export Drive
In response to U.S. tariffs, India has initiated an aggressive export push to 40 countries, seeking to diversify trade partners. Modi’s earlier visit to Japan, where he secured fresh investment pledges, is part of this broader strategy.
However, challenges remain. India’s trade deficit with China, which has ballooned to over $99 billion, continues to be a major concern. New Delhi remains wary of further opening its market, even as it pursues cooperation with Beijing and Moscow.
Conclusion: A Balancing Act in a Shifting Order
The SCO Summit in Tianjin has highlighted India’s delicate balancing act. Modi’s outreach to Putin and Xi underscores a pragmatic approach to diplomacy, aimed at navigating global turbulence without succumbing to unilateral U.S. pressure. But with Washington sharpening its rhetoric and imposing tariffs, New Delhi faces the difficult task of maintaining autonomy while protecting its economic interests.
Modi’s SCO Summit Diplomacy with Putin, Xi Stirs US Ire Amid Tariff Tensions
Modi’s SCO Diplomacy with Putin and Xi Raises Concerns in Washington
Strong Optics at the SCO Summit in Tianjin
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cordial interactions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin have drawn global attention. The high-profile meetings came at a time when the United States has imposed heavy tariffs on Indian goods, raising eyebrows in Washington over New Delhi’s strengthening ties with Moscow and Beijing.
Modi and Putin: Symbolism of a Strong Bond
Modi and Putin’s friendship was on full display during the summit. In a rare gesture, the two leaders rode together in the same car on their way to a meeting, where Putin reportedly waited 10 minutes for Modi. Smiles, handshakes, and warm embraces underscored their personal rapport, even as they engaged in difficult discussions on trade, regional stability, and the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Observers noted that such gestures carry strategic weight, symbolising the resilience of India–Russia ties despite mounting Western pressure over Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
Modi–Xi Meeting: First Visit to China in Seven Years
The summit also marked Modi’s first visit to China since the Galwan clash of 2020, which had severely strained bilateral relations. The meeting with Xi Jinping was seen as a step towards rebuilding confidence between the two Asian giants. Issues of trade, connectivity, and border management were discussed, signalling a cautious thaw in ties.
US Reaction: Navarro’s Sharp Criticism
Washington has reacted with concern to India’s growing proximity with Russia and China. Peter Navarro, trade advisor to then-President Donald Trump, criticised New Delhi’s “alignment with adversaries.”
“India must be on our side, not Russia’s or China’s,” Navarro remarked, citing India’s purchase of Russian oil as a major sticking point. He announced that the U.S. had imposed effective 50 percent tariffs on Indian exports—25 percent due to trade imbalances and another 25 percent linked to India’s continued import of Russian crude oil, which Washington argues is financing Moscow’s military campaign.
These tariffs, targeting steel, textiles, and farm products, represent a major blow to India–U.S. trade relations.
SCO: A Platform for the Global South
China, as host of the SCO Summit, welcomed over 20 world leaders in Tianjin. The summit showcased solidarity among members of the Global South and reflected a shift towards multipolarity in global trade and diplomacy. For India, deepening ties with Beijing and Moscow comes at a time when American tariffs are beginning to bite.
India’s Policy of Strategic Autonomy
Analysts view Modi’s moves as part of India’s long-standing policy of “strategic autonomy.” New Delhi seeks to balance relationships with major powers without aligning exclusively with any one bloc. The optics of Modi’s camaraderie with Putin—especially the symbolic car ride—have heightened U.S. anxieties, reinforcing the perception of India’s independent path.
Economic Pressures and India’s Export Drive
In response to U.S. tariffs, India has initiated an aggressive export push to 40 countries, seeking to diversify trade partners. Modi’s earlier visit to Japan, where he secured fresh investment pledges, is part of this broader strategy.
However, challenges remain. India’s trade deficit with China, which has ballooned to over $99 billion, continues to be a major concern. New Delhi remains wary of further opening its market, even as it pursues cooperation with Beijing and Moscow.
Conclusion: A Balancing Act in a Shifting Order
The SCO Summit in Tianjin has highlighted India’s delicate balancing act. Modi’s outreach to Putin and Xi underscores a pragmatic approach to diplomacy, aimed at navigating global turbulence without succumbing to unilateral U.S. pressure. But with Washington sharpening its rhetoric and imposing tariffs, New Delhi faces the difficult task of maintaining autonomy while protecting its economic interests.