The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit is underway, with China, Russia, India, and others emphasizing a shift toward a multipolar world order. Xi Jinping called for a more “just and equitable” system of global governance and inclusive globalization—showing the bloc’s ambition to act as a new geopolitical and economic power center.

India plays a pivotal role because it has historically balanced relations between the West, Russia, and China. The U.S. has long tried to draw India closer as a counterweight to China. However, President Trump recently imposed steep tariffs on India (raising them to 50%), despite India being a crucial partner. His move, intended to pressure India to distance itself from Russia (particularly over discounted Russian oil purchases), has instead angered Prime Minister Modi, who has refused Trump’s calls and demonstrated visible warmth with both Putin and Xi during the summit.

Economically, India calculates that the cost of losing discounted Russian oil (around 40% of its imports) is higher than absorbing U.S. tariffs, making Trump’s strategy unattractive. Instead of moving into Washington’s orbit, India is being pushed closer to Russia, China, and SCO/BRICS frameworks.

Critics, including even John Bolton, argue that Trump’s tariffs are undermining decades of bipartisan U.S. efforts to build India as a partner against China. Instead, the policy risks alienating New Delhi, strengthening SCO cohesion, and weakening Western influence.

Bottom line: Trump’s tariff strategy appears counterproductive—alienating India, reinforcing its ties with Russia and China, and accelerating the rise of alternative power blocs outside Western influence.

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