Trump Calls US-India Relationship a “One-Sided Disaster” After Modi’s Talks With Xi, Putin

Trump Calls US-India Ties “One-Sided Disaster” After Modi Meets Xi, Putin.

Hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China, US President Donald Trump lashed out at India, defending his steep 50% tariffs on Indian goods.

Trump accused New Delhi of maintaining a “one-sided” trade relationship and continuing to rely heavily on Russian oil and military equipment. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote: “They sell us massive amounts of goods but we sell them very little. Until now, a totally one-sided relationship.”

Trump’s Grievances
Tariffs & Trade: Trump doubled down on claims that India is a “tariff abuser,” pointing to barriers that prevent US agriculture and dairy businesses from accessing Indian markets.

Russian Purchases: He criticised India’s energy and defence imports from Moscow, noting “India buys most of its oil and military products from Russia… very little from the US.”

‘Too Late’ Concessions: Trump alleged that Delhi had now offered to cut tariffs, but warned it might be “too late” to avoid consequences. The Indian government, however, has not confirmed any such move.

SCO Optics
Trump’s remarks followed images of warmth between Modi, Xi, and Putin in Tianjin, where the SCO summit is underway. The three leaders reportedly discussed ways to counter the impact of US tariffs. Their visible camaraderie is being seen as a signal of cooperation against Washington’s trade pressure.

Recent diplomatic overtures — including Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Delhi after three years — have also pointed to a thaw in India-China ties, with talk of boosting bilateral trade to cushion the blow from US import duties.

Tariff Impact
The US tariffs, which came into effect last week, target Indian exports worth around $48 billion, including gems, textiles, and seafood. An additional 25% penalty has been imposed on purchases of Russian oil and arms.

India has rejected the measures as “unjustified and unfair,” defending discounted Russian crude imports by pointing out that Western nations also continue to buy from Moscow.

India’s Response
New Delhi has urged calm, saying it will support affected industries and is exploring new export markets. Trade talks with over 40 countries are currently underway to diversify India’s overseas sales.