Paromita Das
New Delhi, 8th September: Bharat–US relations today are at an unusual crossroads. In a recent post on Truth Social, US President Donald Trump sounded visibly unsettled, declaring that “Bharat and Russia are lost to deepest, darkest China.” His outburst, however, reflects less about Bharat’s weakness and more about America’s own frustration. Having imposed a steep 50% tariff on Bharatiya goods, Trump now finds himself cornered—forced to confront the unintended consequences of his own economic gamble. Should he worry about losing Bharat’s trust, or about how his miscalculated trade war is backfiring? For Bharat, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the answer is clear: strategic autonomy is stronger than ever.
Trump’s Tariff Gambit Backfires
For Washington, Bharat has long been a linchpin in countering China’s rise across the Indo-Pacific. From Quad meetings to defense agreements, America has invested heavily in building trust with New Delhi. Yet, Trump’s tariff-driven economic nationalism has created avoidable friction. By slapping a 50% tariff on Bharatiya exports, the White House hoped to extract concessions. Instead, it reinforced Bharat’s determination to diversify its economic relationships.
New Delhi has already begun exploring new avenues with Russia, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Moscow, for instance, has promised greater market access if U.S. trade becomes too restrictive. China, ever the opportunist, has extended offers to import more Bharatiya goods. What Trump envisioned as “pressure” is instead accelerating Bharat’s search for alternatives and weakening America’s role as a dependable trade partner.
The irony is sharp: tariffs that were supposed to tighten bonds are now loosening them, nudging Bharat to look beyond Washington’s dictates.
Bharat’s Balancing Act with Russia and China
Bharat’s policy of strategic autonomy is not new—it has been at the heart of its foreign policy for decades. Unlike countries that align exclusively with one power, Bharat has always sought multiple partnerships while safeguarding its independence.
Russia, in particular, has been a historic partner, with cooperation spanning defense, space, and energy. Even today, Russia supplies advanced weaponry and collaborates on nuclear energy projects. For New Delhi, abandoning this relationship because of American pressure is unrealistic, if not self-defeating.
China, meanwhile, presents a more complicated picture. Despite recurring tensions along the border, trade between the two giants continues to expand. Beijing’s willingness to open its markets to Bharatiya products reflects a pragmatic economic calculation. For Bharat, engaging with China is not a sign of alignment but a strategy to prevent over-dependence on any single partner—including the U.S.
Why Trump Should Be Worried
Trump’s lament that America has “lost” Bharat to China and Russia reveals a misreading of Bharat’s foreign policy. Bharat is not abandoning Washington; it is reaffirming its principle of multi-alignment. The concern for the U.S. should not be that Bharat is drifting away, but that its heavy-handed tactics could erode trust.
The Quad—a grouping of Bharat, the U.S., Japan, and Australia—was designed as a counterbalance to China’s assertiveness. But if Washington treats Bharat with suspicion, the credibility of this alliance could weaken. Moreover, Trump’s rhetoric often appears tailored for domestic political gain, portraying America as under threat to energize his voter base. The risk, however, is that such rhetoric could cause lasting damage to ties with a partner the U.S. cannot afford to alienate.
Bharat’s Strategic Confidence Under Modi
What stands out in this phase is Bharat’s growing self-assurance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His government has expanded defense and technology ties with the U.S., while simultaneously deepening relations with Russia, Europe, and the Middle East. Trade agreements with the UAE, defense cooperation with France, and investments in Africa all underscore Bharat’s widening global reach.
This diversification is not defiance; it is prudence. It ensures that Bharat’s choices are driven by national interest, not external pressure. Trump’s criticism only strengthens Bharat’s resolve that it cannot, and will not, be boxed into one camp. Strategic autonomy is no longer a slogan—it is the bedrock of Bharat’s global identity.
The Restless America, the Resolute Bharat
Trump’s declaration that Bharat and Russia are “lost” to China reveals more about America’s anxiety than Bharat’s intentions. Bharat has not turned its back on Washington; it has simply refused to be a pawn in someone else’s geopolitical game. By imposing tariffs and issuing warnings, Trump has created his own restlessness.
Bharat, by contrast, projects calm determination. Its foreign policy is guided by the needs of 1.4 billion people and its long-term vision of leadership in the 21st century. Whether engaging with Moscow, Beijing, or Washington, the principle remains the same: Bharat will choose its partners on its own terms.
Bharat Holds the Stronger Hand
From an analytical standpoint, Bharat’s position today is enviable. While the U.S. worries about losing influence, Bharat is courted by all major powers. Russia remains a strategic ally, China remains an indispensable trade partner, and the U.S. remains a vital source of technology and defense cooperation. Rather than being “lost,” Bharat is very much in control, leveraging every relationship to strengthen its autonomy.
Trump’s outburst is a reminder of how easily frustration can cloud judgment. Instead of trying to pressure Bharat into submission, Washington would do better to recognize and respect Bharat’s unique position as a swing power in the global order.
Autonomy Over Anxiety
Bharat–US relations today are shaped by a mix of friction and friendship. Trump’s tariffs and rhetoric may generate anxiety in Washington, but they cannot shake New Delhi’s confidence. Under Modi, Bharat is more resolute than ever, steering its course with autonomy while engaging with all major powers.
If America insists on seeing Bharat as “lost,” it risks blinding itself to the truth: Bharat is not lost, it is rising—and it will partner with Washington only on equal terms. In this unfolding story, Trump may remain restless, but Bharat will remain resolute.
