At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2025 in Tianjin, world leaders met to discuss security, trade, and cooperation in Asia. The gathering was hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping, and among the major attendees were the leaders of India and Russia.
Their participation became a talking point worldwide, especially after former U.S. President Donald Trump shared his reaction.
Trump took to social media, writing that “we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China.” His comment reflected worry about how global friendships are changing.
For years, India and Russia maintained ties with the U.S. and the West, but their visible closeness with China at the summit gave the impression of a shift in loyalties.
The SCO has always been seen as a forum where China plays a leading role, but India and Russia’s presence alongside Xi Jinping sends a message that they are willing to work more closely with Beijing. This could mean stronger cooperation in areas like trade, energy, and defense.
Experts believe such moves might help China expand its influence across Asia, making it harder for the U.S. to keep its traditional influence in the region.
Trump’s statement underlines the broader debate in American politics about losing ground to China. Many in Washington see this as a sign that countries once considered closer to the U.S. are now open to aligning with Beijing.
The summit not only highlighted agreements but also symbolized how alliances in the 21st century are shifting, showing that global power is becoming more multipolar.
