SCO Spotlight: As Modi Bonds with Putin & Xi, US Says 21st Century Belongs to India

International News:The meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) being held in Tianjin city of China remains the center of global politics this time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping's simultaneous sharing of the stage not only gives the message of Asian solidarity but also presents a diplomatic challenge to the Western forces, especially America.

While Washington is describing its relations with India as "the identity of the 21st century," on the other hand, the Donald Trump camp continues to use sharp rhetoric and take rigorous economic steps against India. This is the reason why a contradictory picture has surfaced about the American trend—friendship at the official level and resentment of political camps.

America's love for India

The US State Department issued a statement in the middle of the SCO Summit saying that the partnership between India and the US is constantly touching new heights. This relationship was described as not only strategic but also based on deep friendship between people. The US Embassy on social media ran the hashtag #USIndiaFWDforOurPeople and described defense cooperation, innovation and bilateral relations as "future-directing." The message was clear—India-US relations should not be shown as weak under any circumstances.

Trump camp anger

But the second aspect of the picture is completely different. Advisors associated with former President Donald Trump's team are constantly targeting India.

• The US has imposed 50% tariffs on India.
• It was alleged that India is buying crude oil from Russia and selling it at a higher price.
• According to the Trump camp, this process is directly providing financial assistance to Russia's "war machine."

Trump's close advisor Peter Navarro recently made a statement: "The Russia-Ukraine struggle is actually a war of Modi." He even called India the "Money Laundering Machine of the Kremlin."

Constant allegations on India

According to Navaro, Indian refineries are making huge profits at the cost of common consumers. He argues that India is selling Russia oil and selling it at a high price in the global market and this profit is giving strength to Putin's war campaign. American tariffs are being described as a way to prevent this so-called help.

The partnership between the United States and India continues to reach new heights — a defining relationship of the 21st century. This month, we’re spotlighting the people, progress, and possibilities driving us forward. From innovation and entrepreneurship to defense and… pic.twitter.com/tjd1tgxNXi

— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) September 1, 2025

Dual photo of differences

Modi-Putin-Jinping's "Trio Diplomacy" on the SCO platform has caught the attention of the western world. Analysts say that India is giving the US a partnership on the one hand; on the other hand, it seems to be standing shoulder to shoulder with Russia and China. This balance is creating an uncomfortable situation for America.

Official American statements testify to friendship and partnership, but the displeasure of the Trump camp is making it clear that there are differences and confusion about India's role within Washington.