Washington, USA: John Bolton claimed Trump’s tariff policies stalled Western efforts to pull India closer and curb China’s influence. 

He argued Trump’s economic approach gave Xi Jinping an opening to reshape the East, accusing him of ignoring the broader strategic context.

Amid Washington’s steep 75% tariff hike on Indian goods over energy trade with Moscow, Bolton warned that relations between the two nations face new turbulence.

Following the SCO summit in Tianjin, PM Modi’s meeting with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin set the stage for a recalibration of regional power dynamics.

Modi stressed India-China economic cooperation for global trade stability and reaffirmed strong India-Russia relations, marking 15 years of their “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.”