On Friday, President Trump expressed concern over India’s close relations with China, coinciding with a military parade in Beijing that had garnered attention from world leaders.
“We seem to have lost India and Russia to the deepest and darkest China,” Trump commented on a social platform, while sharing an image featuring Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prominently together.
“May they have a long and prosperous future together!” he added.
The trio was also joined at the parade by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who made a public appearance for the first time on Wednesday, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of World War II’s conclusion.
During a moment at the event, Modi was seen holding hands with Putin, a gesture that captured some attention.
Trump utilized his platform to describe the gathering as a conspiracy of powerful figures against the United States, taking aim at the so-called dictators of China, Russia, and North Korea.
He characterized their joint display as merely a performance, saying, “I thought it was very, very impressive, but I realized why they were doing it, and they wanted me to see what I was seeing – and I was watching,” referring to China’s military display.
In the wake of these comments, Trump’s administration has taken actions against India, including imposing a 50% tariff on goods and critiquing New Delhi’s purchase of inexpensive Russian oil.
