Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leveraging his first trip to China in seven years to recalibrate relations with Beijing and Moscow as tensions with the United States escalate. Meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a regional summit in Tianjin, Modi is navigating a complex geopolitical landscape marked by a new trade war initiated by the Trump administration.
The backdrop for these high-stakes meetings is a sharp downturn in India-US relations. The Trump administration recently imposed punitive 50% tariffs on Indian goods, the highest in Asia, to penalize New Delhi for purchasing discounted oil from Russia.
Top US officials have accused India of undermining Western efforts to isolate Moscow. President Trump’s aide, Peter Navarro, delivered a scathing critique, stating that India is now fueling “the Russian war machine” and acting as “nothing but a laundromat for the Kremlin.” In response, Indian officials have defended their longstanding relationship with Russia, arguing that the US had previously encouraged the oil purchases to prevent a global price shock.
In a pointed effort to reset relations, Modi and Xi pledged their nations would be partners, not rivals. During their talks on Sunday, the two leaders discussed sensitive border issues, the resumption of direct flights, and increasing trade. President Xi emphasized the need for cooperation in a “fluid and chaotic” world, famously stating it is right for “the dragon and the elephant to dance together.”
Following his meeting with Xi, Modi met with President Putin on Monday. This engagement comes under intense scrutiny due to the US sanctions and accusations regarding India’s energy trade with Russia.
Analysts suggest Washington’s aggressive posture is pushing New Delhi to diversify its partnerships. Anil Trigunayat, a former Indian ambassador, noted that recent US actions have made it clear that “it’s important for countries like India to find its own path and own partners.”
Demonstrating this multi-aligned approach, Modi spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy before his trip, reiterating his call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. This diplomatic balancing act underscores India’s strategy of maintaining its strategic autonomy while navigating the competing interests of global superpowers.
