As PM Modi Concludes China Visit, Rubio Calls US-India Ties the 'Defining Relationship of the 21st Century'

New Delhi/Washington – Soon after visuals of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin went viral, the United States described its partnership with India as a “defining relationship of the 21st century.”

“The partnership between the United States and India continues to reach new heights — a defining relationship of the 21st century. This month, we’re spotlighting the people, progress, and possibilities driving us forward. From innovation and entrepreneurship to defense and bilateral ties, it’s the enduring friendship between our two peoples that fuels this journey,” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was quoted as saying in a post on X by the US Embassy in New Delhi.

The timing of the statement drew attention, coinciding with global media coverage of PM Modi’s warm interactions with Putin and Xi just before the SCO Summit began on Monday morning.

Following the multilateral engagement, PM Modi held bilateral discussions with the Russian President before returning to New Delhi. The talks came against the backdrop of US President Donald Trump’s recent decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian goods, citing unfair trade practices and India’s continued import of Russian crude oil.

Analysts, however, argue that India’s purchase of Russian energy has helped stabilise global markets, preventing a broader economic crisis. Russia, the world’s second-largest crude producer with an output of around 9.5 million barrels per day, exports roughly 4.5 mb/d of crude and 2.3 mb/d of refined products. By ensuring continued energy flows, India is seen as playing a key role in keeping oil prices stable and markets balanced worldwide.

While President Trump has yet to confirm his visit to India for the upcoming Quad Summit, Russian President Putin is scheduled to travel to New Delhi in December for the annual bilateral summit.

With inputs from IANS