Trump’s Surprising U-turn: Modi Distances From China’s Coalition As India-US Tariff Dispute Nears Resolution

US Tariff:  US President Donald Trump has recently decided to back down from his controversial statements about India, which is being considered a positive step. This change has come when Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clearly indicated that India is not ready to be a part of the anti-West coalition being prepared by China. Commenting on this, famous author and expert Gordon Chang said, 'Trump has done the right thing by backing down from his statements on India. Modi is giving a message that he does not want to be a part of the anti-West coalition being prepared by China.'

Let us tell you that in the last few weeks, America had decided to impose tariffs of up to 50 percent on India, the reason for which was said to be India's oil imports from Russia. Trump had described India and Russia on social media as sliding towards 'deep dark China', but later he said that Modi is his 'great friend' and India-US relations are special. This ups and downs underline India's strategic autonomy in global diplomacy.

‘Trump has walked back his statements on India. That’s the right thing. Modi is sending a message that he does not want to be a part of the anti-West coalition that China is putting together,’ says writer Gordon Chang pic.twitter.com/qNnenRlgM6

— Shashank Mattoo (@MattooShashank) September 8, 2025

Trump was angry over buying oil from Russia

The aggressive trade policy of the Trump administration had dealt a severe blow to India. In the India-Pakistan conflict in May, Trump angered India by calling himself the one who stopped the war. After this, tariffs on Russian oil purchases strained relations, but Trump's retreat shows that the US does not want to lose India as a counterweight against China. Experts believe that this change is the result of India's diplomatic skill. 

Chances of trade talks increased

Analysts like Gordon Chang have called it a step in the right direction, as India's economy is dependent on the US market. Tariffs could have affected Indian exports, but now the possibility of trade talks has increased.

Modi government is running with balance

However, the Modi government has always maintained a strategic balance. At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, but this was not a sign of becoming a part of the alliance, rather, it was a warning to the US that India can look for alternatives. Despite the border dispute and trade deficit, efforts are on to improve India-China relations, but Modi made it clear that India will not fall into an anti-West front.