Following the SCO meeting in China, former US President Donald Trump released a statement expressing regret, specifically mentioning the perceived loss of friends like Vladimir Putin of Russia and Narendra Modi of India. This statement, posted on his social media platform Truth, comes after a period of strained relations and raises questions regarding his change in stance.
The US and India share a long-standing friendship, with India being a crucial partner in South Asia and a vocal critic of China. India, with a larger population than China, is also a nuclear power. Trump actively cultivated this friendship during his presidency, resulting in joint rallies in both the US and India. In January 2025, during political unrest in the US, a significant 80% of Indians supported Trump, according to a European Foreign Department survey. However, recent events have strained this relationship.
The US has imposed a 50% tariff on India due to its oil purchases from Russia. Trump and his advisors have also made critical comments about India. Some sources suggest that Trump’s ‘MAGA’ team has contributed to the worsening relationship. The improving ties between India and China have further raised concerns in the US. Reports indicate that the Indian Prime Minister has refused to negotiate on tariffs despite US efforts.
Trump’s attempts to improve relations with Russia have faced challenges. His team views the alignment of Russia and China as a threat to the US’s strategic and economic interests. The show of force by Putin and Xi Jinping in Beijing, along with North Korea and Iran, has caused unease in the US. The failure of China and Russia to address denuclearization with Kim Jong-un has also created a challenge in the Korean Peninsula. Trump’s past initiatives to engage with Kim regarding nuclear disarmament may now be undermined. The backing of Kim by Putin and Jinping is unlikely to benefit the US.
Additionally, Putin’s activities in the Middle East through Iran, which has resumed financial support to proxy groups, and its uranium enrichment program further complicate matters. The US is seemingly facing the consolidation of anti-American forces on a global scale. These factors collectively contributed to Trump’s expression of regret and public statement of remorse on social media.