Pressure from Trump on India-China union: A complex bond
In a move that could reshape geopolitical dynamics, President Donald Trump's latest trade war actions may be pushing India and China into a tactical embrace. The tariffs imposed by the US President, up to 50% on Indian imports, linked to India's oil trade with Russia, have raised concerns among experts who warn that these measures could damage decades of US-India strategic ties.
The tariffs, which place India on a similar footing as Brazil under US tariff policy, complicate New Delhi's position as a US counterweight to China in Asia. The measures adversely affect sectors critical to both Indian and US economies and risk spillover effects damaging defense and technology cooperation between the two nations. The weakening of US-India relations is seen as strategically beneficial to China, posing challenges to both Washington and New Delhi.
In response, China has strongly opposed the US tariffs on India. Chinese officials have emphasized the importance of India-China cooperation for regional and global development. China's ambassador to India stated that the US tariffs "embolden the bully" and affirmed that China would "firmly stand with India," pushing for enhanced strategic mutual trust and cooperation between the neighbours as a way to promote a multipolar world order.
India, however, has been less willing to cave in to trade deals with Trump compared to many other nations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has defended his country, stating that India will never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers. This stance, coupled with the gradual normalization of ties between India and China, with resumed direct commercial flights, reopened pilgrimage sites, and re-issued tourist visas, signals a greater willingness to entertain warmer trade and investment linkages with China, due to economic reasons such as a slowdown in growth and a slump in foreign direct investment.
The future of the relationship between India and China is predicted to be one of duality: increasing economic cooperation coupled with strategic rivalry. This tactical realignment between India and China is an alliance of convenience, not conviction. As the US election approaches, the re-election of Trump and his "America First" policy threaten to shatter the two-decade consensus between the US and India, potentially reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the region.
[1] Experts warn that the tariffs could damage decades of US-India strategic ties. [2] The weakening of US-India relations is seen as strategically beneficial to China, posing challenges to both Washington and New Delhi. [3] China's ambassador to India stated that the US tariffs "embolden the bully" and affirmed that China would "firmly stand with India."
- The tariffs imposed by the US President, affecting decades of US-India strategic ties, could provide strategic benefits to China, potentially posing challenges for both Washington and New Delhi.
- In response to the US tariffs, China's ambassador to India has strongly opposed the measures, stating that China would "firmly stand with India," emphasizing the importance of India-China cooperation for regional and global development.
