Michael Kugelman, a specialist in South Asia, has provided important analysis of US President Donald Trump’s recent remarks toward China and India, characterizing Trump as unpredictable and prone to “U-turns” in his remarks.
Trump’s comments, Kugelman noted, show his displeasure and annoyance, especially with reference to China’s policies and India’s position in trade talks.
Kugelman contradicted Trump’s assertion that the US has “lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China,” pointing out that India has been actively attempting to defuse tensions with China over the past 12 months.
Kugelman also pointed out a rift between Trump and his close associates in the US government, with Trump and a few senior advisers being the main sources of aggressive rhetoric against India. Trump’s general unfriendly stance against Russia, particularly with regard to the Ukraine issue, and recent US tariffs on Indian imports have further strained the relationship between the US and India, which is not helped by this dynamic.
“The Trump administration has not clearly articulated a cohesive policy towards China,” Kugelman said in reference to US-China ties.
Trump seems to want to strategically compete with China, but his remarks also suggest that he wants to find some common ground. China and India’s responses to Trump’s unpredictable remarks are unclear, and the former may profit from the ambiguity and use it to further its objective of a new global order that opposes the US.
Kugelman went on to say that Trump’s comments might unintentionally help China’s goals by casting doubt on US partnerships and alliances.
According to Kugelman, Trump’s remarks exacerbate US ties with China, Russia, and India by expressing annoyance and uncertainty.
These factors may unintentionally support China’s strategic objectives on the international scene and have caused tension in long-standing relationships.
Another aspect of Trump’s discontent with foreign policy is his antagonistic posture toward Russia’s prolongation of the crisis in Ukraine.
These elements highlight a tense and turbulent time in US-South Asian and US-China ties during Trump’s 2025 administration.
