INTERNATIONAL: Trump’s Tariffs: Self-Inflicted Economic Wound?
US Policy Shifts Strain Bilateral Ties
Recent US sanctions, influenced by White House advisor Peter Navarro, have imposed steep tariffs of up to 50% on Indian exports, including steel and textiles, threatening the stability of India-US relations.
These measures, driven by objections to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, have pushed New Delhi toward recalibrating its geopolitical alignments.
India-China Relations Gain Momentum
The frosty India-China relationship, strained since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, is witnessing a cautious revival, accelerated by US trade pressures.
Diplomatic engagements, including Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to New Delhi, signal a renewed commitment to stabilizing ties.
Modi’s Historic Visit to SCO Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin on August 31, 2025, marks his first visit to China since 2018.
The summit, hosted by President Xi Jinping, will see leaders from Russia, Iran, Pakistan, and Central Asian nations, making it the largest SCO gathering to date.
Strategic Realignment in Focus
Modi’s bilateral talks with Xi Jinping aim to address border de-escalation, trade imbalances, and regional stability, reflecting India’s multi-alignment strategy amid global economic volatility.
The summit offers a platform to counterbalance US pressures while reinforcing ties with non-Western powers.
Global Implications of Shifting Alliances
The SCO summit underscores China’s push for Global South solidarity, challenging the US-led international order as Trump’s policies alienate key partners like India.
Analysts suggest this diplomatic thaw may reshape regional dynamics, though deep-seated India-China tensions persist.
Limited Outcomes, Symbolic Gains
Despite the summit’s grandeur, experts caution that the SCO’s effectiveness in resolving security or economic disputes remains limited, with optics of unity overshadowing substantive agreements.
India’s participation signals strategic autonomy rather than a complete pivot from Western alliances.