WORLD (Enmaeya News) — In a dramatic twist in global trade, Trump’s 50% tariffs on India are driving the world’s most populous democracy to deepen ties with China — a move that could reshape alliances across Asia.

India, however, is standing its ground, with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal affirming that New Delhi “will neither bow down nor ever appear weak” in its economic relationships.

President Trump framed the move as correction for a 'one-sided' trade balance. He criticized India for exporting far more to the U.S. than it imports and took issue with India’s continued purchases of Russian oil.

Trump also claimed India offered to reduce tariffs on U.S. goods to zero—though he warned it was too late.

India’s leadership denounces the tariffs as unfair, arguing that securing affordable energy for its 1.4 billion citizens through Russian oil imports is a sovereign necessity.

Domestic sectors such as textiles, jewelry, seafood, and leather goods have been hit hardest, jeopardizing the "Make in India" initiative and raising alarm among exporters.

India is responding by exploring market diversification and reinforcing ties with other global partners.

India and China have begun to mend long-frozen ties. The two nations agreed to reopen cross-border trade through the Lipulekh, Shipki La, and Nathu La passes, and are exploring “early harvest” mini-deals to improve border management, according to Al Jazeera.

Geopolitical analysts, according to the Guardian, suggest that Trump’s tariff-driven strategy pushed India closer to China and Russia, reinforcing a multipolar world order.

Meanwhile, Western policymakers are cautioning that undermining U.S.–India ties risks destabilizing broader regional alliances.