Xi Jinping Quietly Strengthens India Ties Amid US Trade War

In March 2025, as U.S. President Donald Trump escalated his trade war with China, Chinese President Xi Jinping quietly reached out to India by sending a letter to Indian President Droupadi Murmu, signaling a desire to improve bilateral relations and expressing concerns about U.S. agreements that might harm China's interests. This discreet outreach, conveyed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marked a cautious thaw after years of strained ties and deadly border clashes between India and China. By June, India began showing genuine interest in warming ties, partly due to frustration with Trump's trade policies, including a 50% tariff on Indian exports in retaliation for its Russian oil purchases. Both nations agreed to intensify talks on border disputes and explore new economic partnerships, with Modi preparing for his first visit to China in seven years. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval has played a key role in maintaining direct communication with Chinese leadership to advance negotiations. The rapprochement between India and China in the context of Trump’s tariff war has significant implications for U.S. strategic interests, as it challenges Washington’s efforts to position India as a counterweight to China.