President Donald Trump’s bold “America First” trade policy is shaking up the world stage—so much so that three powerful leaders are now joining forces against him.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held high-profile meetings Monday with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping—just days after Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods. The message from the trio was unmistakable: they want to push back against Trump’s economic strength.
Modi Cozying Up to Putin and Xi
Xi welcomed Modi and Putin to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, a group China uses to challenge U.S. and NATO influence. Modi was photographed smiling, holding hands, and exchanging warm gestures with both men. He even declared India a “partner” of China rather than a “rival.”
Modi, who hasn’t set foot in China for seven years, went further by riding in Putin’s presidential limousine. The two later held a private meeting where Putin praised Modi as his “dear friend.”
Thinly Veiled Rebuke of America
Neither Modi nor Xi mentioned Trump directly, but the timing made their intent obvious. Modi’s outreach came days after Trump’s tariffs went into effect, and Xi denounced so-called “bullying behavior” by powerful nations—a clear jab at Washington.
Trump Fires Back With America First Facts
President Trump didn’t hesitate to respond. On Truth Social, he reminded Americans that the U.S. holds the real leverage in this standoff.
“What few people understand is that we do very little business with India, but they do a tremendous amount of business with us,” Trump wrote. “They have offered to cut tariffs to nothing, but it’s getting late. They should have done so years ago.”
Trump’s point was simple: India depends on America far more than America depends on India.
India’s Growing Ties With U.S. Adversaries
This isn’t an isolated event. India’s national security chief visited Moscow last month. Its foreign minister just returned from Russia. And China’s top diplomat Wang Yi concluded talks in Delhi in August. Modi is also expected to meet Putin again in Moscow before year’s end.
The Bottom Line for America
While India, Russia, and China pose together for the cameras, President Trump is keeping the pressure on—using tariffs and tough policies to defend American workers.
The real question: will foreign leaders unite against Trump, or will they ultimately have to bow to America’s economic strength?
One thing is certain: under Trump, the U.S. is no longer playing second fiddle. America First means America WINS.