On Sept 6, 2025 in Washington, President Donald Trump said India and Russia appeared to be aligning more closely with China after leaders of the three countries met at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin earlier that week.
Key Takeaways
- Trump said on social media that India and Russia look to have moved toward China following the SCO summit in Tianjin.
- He later told reporters he did not believe the United States had permanently lost India as a partner.
- Trump expressed disappointment that India has been buying large amounts of oil from Russia.
- At the summit, Chinese President Xi hosted more than 20 non-Western leaders, including India’s Narendra Modi and Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
- Modi and Putin were observed walking toward Xi holding hands before standing side by side.
- Modi posted that he values and reciprocates the positive assessment of ties with the United States.
- Trump said he plans to speak with Putin soon amid frustration over the unresolved Russia-Ukraine war.
Verified Facts
The comments came after an SCO meeting in Tianjin where leaders including Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Narendra Modi appeared together. The summit drew more than 20 leaders from countries outside the West and focused on regional cooperation.
Trump posted a message on his social media account after images of the three leaders were shared from the summit. In subsequent remarks to reporters he reiterated concerns about New Delhi’s energy purchases from Moscow and said he planned to raise the matter directly.
Indian officials in New Delhi declined to comment on Trump’s social media message when asked by reporters. China’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and Kremlin representatives were not immediately reachable for comment.
Modi released a message on his X account early the next day saying he appreciated and reciprocated the positive view of ties with the United States and underlined a forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership between India and the U.S.
Context & Impact
The exchange highlights growing geopolitical complexity as Beijing convenes a bloc of non-Western leaders and deepens ties with major powers. Images of Modi and Putin approaching Xi together reinforced perceptions of a China-centered diplomatic space.
For the United States, closer India-Russia or India-China interactions raise questions about strategic alignments, trade relations and cooperation on issues from energy to defense. Trump has had a mixed record with New Delhi, with both partnership language and trade and policy disputes that have cooled ties at times.
Separately, Trump remains concerned about the Russia-Ukraine conflict and has expressed frustration at failing to secure a negotiated end more than three years after the 2022 invasion. He told reporters he planned to speak with President Putin soon, signaling continued direct engagement despite tensions.
Official Statements
Trump told reporters he did not believe the U.S. had permanently lost India and stressed the two countries share a special relationship.
President Donald Trump, White House remarks, Sept 6, 2025
Prime Minister Modi said he deeply appreciated and fully reciprocated the positive assessment of ties and emphasized a forward-looking strategic partnership with the United States.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, X post, Sept 2025
Unconfirmed
- Whether India or Russia have formally shifted alliance structures toward China is a matter of interpretation and not established as a binding realignment.
- The long-term policy implications of Modi and Putin’s visible coordination at the summit remain uncertain and will depend on follow-up agreements and actions.
Bottom Line
Trump’s remarks underscore U.S. sensitivity to changing diplomatic optics after the SCO summit. While leaders’ public interactions in Tianjin prompted concern in Washington, concrete shifts in formal alliances are not yet confirmed. Expect intensified diplomacy and direct talks as the U.S. seeks to clarify relationships with both New Delhi and Moscow.