Trump Pursues China Trade Deal as Modi Balances Strategic Ties with US, Says Lisa Curtis

As President Donald Trump renews efforts to negotiate a trade deal with China, foreign policy expert Lisa Curtis highlights Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s calibrated diplomacy in strengthening US-India relations while managing tensions with Beijing. Trump’s administration seeks a "nuanced policy," blending economic outreach to Xi Jinping with hawkish export controls led by officials like Marco Rubio and Michael Waltz. Meanwhile, Modi navigates a delicate balance: advancing defense collaboration with the US under Trump’s “peace through strength” doctrine while cautiously engaging China after recent border disengagements.

The strategic calculus unfolds amid fresh US-China tariff tensions, with Beijing retaliating against Trump’s 10% levies. Curtis notes India’s critical role in countering China’s Indo-Pacific dominance, citing Modi’s historic rapport with Trump as pivotal.

Source: Hindustan Times