Editorial | US and India still need to work with China despite stronger ties
- Following recent talks, President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, fully aware of the benefits offered by Beijing, avoided making critical remarks about their economic and geopolitical rival
China is an economic and geopolitical rival of the United States and India. But its importance to both was evident during American President Donald Trump’s recent Indian visit and meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
No major deal was struck during the two-day trip, the purpose seemingly being largely about friendship and partnership.
Trump repeatedly complimented Modi despite the prime minister’s economic and political difficulties, highlighted during the visit by religious unrest between majority Hindus and minority Muslims that left more than a dozen dead. He downplayed trade differences and refrained from publicly pressuring India not to use equipment produced by the Chinese technology firm Huawei in its 5G network. But after talks, they acknowledged they had been unable to strike a deal to end tariffs and reduce a bulging trade deficit.