The latest SCO meetings have brought a surprising turn in Asian geopolitics, India and China are now moving hand in hand toward cooperation.
Interestingly, this newfound understanding can be indirectly credited to US President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.
By targeting both India and China with trade restrictions, Trump inadvertently created common ground for the two Asian powers, pushing them closer together against US economic pressure.
For India, having peaceful neighbors has always been a challenge. Unlike the United States, which enjoys relatively stable borders with Canada and Mexico, India’s neighborhood has historically been volatile.
On one side lies a nation accused of exporting terrorism, and on the other, a country seeking dominance over the Indian Ocean and Himalayan region. Naturally, such circumstances have often prevented smooth and lasting friendships.
Still, the present moment signals optimism. India’s latest cooperation with China may prove to be a step in the right direction, at least on the surface.
However, history urges caution. From the days of “Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai” under Nehru, the relationship has seen repeated strains and temporary reconciliations.
Whether this latest gesture of unity will lead to lasting partnership; or yet another short lived phase; remains to be seen.
Whatever, Indians and Chinese may thank Donald Trump for united the first two most populous nations of the world, which forms almost 35% of the world’s population in this 2025.
