How Trump’s Tariffs Sparked a Russia–China–India Alliance at SCO Summit

Published On: September 1, 2025 6:11 am

At the SCO Summit in Tianjin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping after the U.S. hit India with steep tariffs. Trump’s trade war is now reshaping global alliances.

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Trump’s Tariffs Hit India Hard

President Donald Trump raised tariffs on Indian imports to 50%, punishing New Delhi for buying discounted Russian crude oil. The White House argues India’s oil purchases are funding Moscow’s war in Ukraine, but for India, the imports are critical to fuel the needs of 1.4 billion people.

The move threatens Indian exports to the U.S. while adding new friction to Washington–New Delhi relations.

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Modi Strengthens Ties With Putin and Xi

Facing pressure from Washington, Prime Minister Modi doubled down on global partnerships at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin.

With Vladimir Putin, Modi emphasized energy cooperation. Russia now supplies 37% of India’s oil imports, and the two countries aim to expand trade to $100 billion by 2030.
With Xi Jinping, Modi announced the resumption of direct flights and pledged to rebuild trust after years of border tensions. Xi welcomed closer ties as both countries struggle under U.S. trade pressure.

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A New Strategic Triangle?

The SCO summit highlighted how Trump’s trade war is pushing India, Russia, and China to find common ground. While differences remain—especially between India and China—the shared challenge of U.S. tariffs is accelerating cooperation.

For Beijing, the SCO is a platform to strengthen alternative global governance. For Moscow, it’s a chance to deepen trade ties despite sanctions. And for New Delhi, it’s a balancing act: securing energy from Russia, reopening dialogue with China, and managing rising costs from U.S. tariffs.

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Outlook

Analysts say India’s position as a “swing state” makes it central to global power shifts. Trump’s tariffs may have unintended consequences — driving India closer to Moscow and Beijing at a time when Washington hopes to keep it aligned with the U.S. and its allies.