Donald Trump in 2025: Global Ripples — India, Russia, Australia & China
By now, it's clear: Donald J. Trump is back in the global spotlight, steering foreign relations in bold, high-stakes ways. Buckle up—here’s how his second term is reshaping dynamics with India, Russia, Australia, and China.
1. India: From Warm Handshakes to Tariff Tensions
February’s Friendly Vibes: Trump welcomed Prime Minister Modi in Washington on February 13, 2025. Over the Oval Office, they aimed high—targeting a staggering $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030, with India agreeing to increase purchases of U.S. oil, gas, and defense gear. They also laid the groundwork for a 10-year defense partnership, even discussing possible deals for F-35 stealth jets and other advanced systems.
Defense Deals on the Table: Trump signaled offers for co-producing Javelin anti-tank missiles and Stryker vehicles, along with a potential green light for F-35 jets—marking a deepening of military ties.
Trade Bombshells and Offers: By summer, relations took a sharp turn. Trump hit India with steep tariffs—25% plus penalties, totaling 50% on Indian goods starting August 27, targeting its continued Russian oil trade. Interestingly, Trump later revealed that India had offered to eliminate tariffs on U.S. goods entirely, but he dismissed the offer as insufficient, saying it didn’t meet U.S. expectations. India condemned the tariffs as "unfair" and disproportionate.
Strategic Chill: Experts warn this tariff crisis threatens years of trust-building and strategic alliance; India may strengthen ties elsewhere in response.
2. Russia: Tango Between Summitry and Tensions
3. Australia: Once a Trusted Ally, Now Uneasy
Waning Confidence: A poll by the Australia Institute revealed a growing chill: 31% of Australians now see Trump as the greatest threat to world peace, ahead of Putin or Xi. Half of respondents lack confidence Trump would defend Australia’s interests if threatened.4. China: From Hostility to Tactical Softening
Student Visa Surprise: In a notable shift, Trump announced plans to allow 600,000 Chinese students into U.S. universities over two years—stunning his conservative base who saw it as a betrayal of "America First." Trump defended the move, citing educational benefits and soft diplomacy.Bottom Line: Strategic Rollercoaster
| Country | Main Moves by Trump in 2025 |
|---|---|
| India | Strategic warmth in February → Sharp tariffs by August |
| Russia | Diplomatic outreach → Controversial summit with no agreement |
| Australia | Alliance shaken with declining public confidence |
| China | Softened stance on education → Routed rare-earth threats; pushing arms control |
Donald Trump's second presidency is anything but predictable. His methods are transactional—mixing diplomacy, tit-for-tat tariffs, and strategic posturing. Whether these moves secure peace or fuel fresh rivalries, one thing is clear—Trump’s 2025 playbook is rewriting the rules of global diplomacy.
