Donald Trump has implemented tariffs, including a recent 50% tariff on Indian oil purchases from Russia, purportedly in reaction to Russia’s conflict with Ukraine. This decision has not led to compliance from India but has instead prompted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit China for the first time in seven years, coinciding with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit hosted by Xi Jinping.
The SCO, which includes China, India, and Russia, among others, has often been criticized for having a lack of binding defense commitments and is seen as a grouping with internal contradictions, especially between members like India and Pakistan. Despite these characteristics, the gathering has symbolized a shift in geopolitical dynamics, with Modi suggesting that India and China share more in common as partners rather than adversaries.
India’s response to U.S. tariffs indicates a calculated strategy to assert its independence in foreign relations. Modi aims to protect key economic sectors and ensure that oil purchases are not dictated by Washington. This stance reflects India’s desire to leverage its geopolitical position without appearing weak or submissive.
China stands to gain from these developments, as Trump’s tariffs potentially allow Xi to position himself as a leader of a significant multipolar platform. The summit thus exemplifies China’s efforts to consolidate its influence, especially against the backdrop of U.S. sanctions on Russia, which have not isolated Moscow as intended.
The implications of the SCO extend beyond regional matters. The cooperation among member states could complicate efforts for U.S. consensus on global issues, such as responses to the Ukraine crisis. While the SCO may not directly engage in military conflicts, it reinforces a perception of a united bloc that could challenge Western influence, raising questions about the future of global geopolitics and the effectiveness of U.S. sanctions.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/sep/01/the-guardian-view-on-donald-trump-and-india-the-tariff-war-that-boosted-china