From India losing to China to ‘Modi is my friend’ remark: Why Donald Trump keeps changing his statements, experts say…

United States President Donald Trump is continuously changing his stance on PM Modi’s meeting with Russia President Vladimir Putin and China President Xi Jinping. Now, experts have reacted on remarks.

Washington: Prime Minister Modi’s visit to China for the SCO Summit and his friendly meeting with Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin has rolled eye balls of several world leaders, including United States President Donald Trump. He also making headlines with his comments on the relationship with India. Trump earlier stated that the United States lost India and Russia to China. But a day after on Saturday, the US President’s tone changed, he described India-US relations as special and said that PM Modi will always be his friend.

A famous author and Indian geostrategist Brahma Chellaney has reacted on Trump’s stance, stating that the US President has indicated a way out by giving importance to the relationship with India. Taking to X, Chellaney wrote, ‘Trump talked about losing India to China and then emphasised on the relationship with Modi. From his warning to assuring that there is a special relationship between America and India, it reflects his smooth transactional approach towards foreign policy. Such shifts give him an opportunity to address many listeners simultaneously. He is trying to maintain relations with key allies while strengthening his domestic base.’

HIGHLIGHTS

• Trump first claimed US “lost India and Russia to China,” but a day later he hailed India–US ties special and Modi his close friend.
• Analyst Brahma Chellaney said Trump’s quick shift reflects a old style – using tough talk to apply pressure, then softening to easing it.
• Chellaney noted such contradictions are typical of Trump.
• Expert Velina Chakarova said Trump’s comments acknowledge a “Cold War 2.0” with China and Russia.
• Journalist Fareed Zakaria criticised Trump’s foreign policy.

Why the expert said ‘this is trump’s style’?

Chellaney further stated that contradictions in the US President’s statement are not new and he is habitual of doing this. He said this is Trump’s political style and most of his messages are driven and influenced by media perception and the need to dominate public discourse.

“In Trump’s style, tough talk one day can be withdrawn the next day without any care. In the case of India, this warning came as a strategy of public pressure and then the talk of friendship helped him reduce tension without looking weak,” Trump said.

According to Geopolitical expert Velina Chakarova stated that Trump has officials accepted Cold War 2.0 between the US and the ‘Dragonbear’. Taking to X, she wrote, ‘Trump has officially recognized the Cold War 2.0 between the US and the Dragonbear (China-Russia). This dual affiliation is an opportunity for India. It makes India the bridge-builder of the Cold War 2.0 between the US and the Dragonbear. This means that Modi and Trump will soon find a way out.’

Will Trump Face Criticism?

The US President has been criticised for his attitude. Renowned journalist Fareed Zakaria said that his foreign policy has not succeeded. Zakaria pointed out that Donald Trump’s approach has moved several countries away from the United States and closer to China. which he termed a major misstep in foreign policy.