Modi Meets Xi and Putin as US Tariffs Hit India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s China visit 2025 marks his first trip to the country in seven years. The timing is significant. His arrival comes just days after Washington doubled tariffs on Indian exports, dealing a heavy blow to India’s trade. As relations with the US sour, Modi is turning toward China, Russia, and Japan to diversify partnerships and reduce dependence on American markets.

A Shift in India’s Diplomatic Landscape

Modi will attend a regional security summit in Tianjin alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The meeting takes place under the banner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, offering India a stage to recalibrate its foreign relations.

For Beijing, the moment is fortuitous. Analysts note that Modi’s presence highlights India’s growing distance from Washington while signaling a cautious warming with China. The optics of standing with Xi and Putin during a trade clash with the US carry symbolic weight.

Tariffs Spark a Major Fallout

The trade rift escalated after the US raised tariffs on Indian exports to 50 percent. The move targeted about two-thirds of India’s $86.5 billion annual exports to America, hitting industries such as textiles, jewelry, and other labor-intensive sectors.

Washington justified the increase by citing India’s continued purchases of Russian oil and defense hardware, arguing that New Delhi indirectly supports Moscow’s war in Ukraine. US officials accused India of becoming an “oil money laundromat” for the Kremlin.

Indian officials rejected the claim, insisting that Russian oil is essential for keeping energy prices stable domestically and globally. Modi has maintained a careful stance on Ukraine—calling for peace but refusing to condemn Moscow outright.

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Trust Between India and the US Weakens

The sudden tariff hike has disrupted years of close cooperation between Washington and New Delhi. Shared goals in technology and efforts to counter China once anchored the partnership. Now, trust has eroded.

Analysts warn that Washington may have underestimated the damage. Indian policymakers and the public see the tariffs as unfair pressure. Officials stress that India cannot appear to bow to US demands, especially on energy imports. The sense of betrayal has created space for stronger ties with other powers.

Russia Sees an Opening

For Moscow, the rift between India and the US is an opportunity. Putin seeks to reaffirm Russia’s role as a reliable partner for Delhi. Russia remains a key supplier of energy and defense equipment to India. In the current climate, the relationship is more vital than ever.

Analysts suggest Putin will use the summit to strengthen ties and show solidarity against US pressure. Standing together with Modi and Xi offers Moscow a diplomatic boost at a time of Western isolation.

Stabilizing Relations With China

India and China have a troubled history, marked by a deadly border clash in 2020. Relations froze for years, but recent meetings between Modi and Xi have eased tensions. Their encounter at the Brics summit in Russia last year marked a turning point.

Now, the US-India rift gives Modi more incentive to reduce hostility with Beijing. Trade and investment are expected to dominate talks. Both sides know that deep mistrust remains, especially along the contested Himalayan frontier. However, analysts argue that even limited stability and predictability could deliver practical benefits.

Balancing Old Rivalries With New Needs

Despite the disputes, Delhi sees value in exploring cooperation with Beijing. China offers investment, technology, and a vast market. For India, strengthening economic ties while managing security concerns may be the most pragmatic path forward.

Observers caution that structural breakthroughs are unlikely. Yet, the process of re-engagement shows both countries recognize the need to adapt to shifting global power balances.

Japan Steps In as a Key Partner

Before arriving in China, Modi visited Tokyo for the annual India-Japan summit. The trip carried extra weight given the US tariffs. Strengthening ties with Japan helps India reduce reliance on American markets while expanding its technological and investment base.

Japanese companies are preparing major investments in India. Suzuki Motor pledged nearly $8 billion over the next few years, while overall Japanese investment could reach ¥10 trillion ($68 billion) over the next decade. Both sides are also exploring cooperation on critical minerals, high-value manufacturing, and defense.

Modi described India and Japan as “partners made for each other.” His visit to a Suzuki plant underscored the depth of their economic ties. Tokyo’s role as a dependable ally offers Delhi a crucial buffer against economic losses from the US market.

India’s Strategy of Diversification

India has already begun moving to offset the tariff blow. The government launched a new export drive across 40 countries, from the UK to South Korea, with a focus on boosting textiles. At the same time, Delhi is deepening ties with partners like Japan, China, and Russia.

For Modi, the summit in Tianjin and his broader trip across Asia serve a clear purpose: to signal that India will not be cornered by US tariffs. Standing beside Xi and Putin, while strengthening bonds with Japan, sends a pointed message to Washington