The claim that the US won’t allow India to become a rival like China sounds odd, wrote the Global Time on X. (File photo of PM Modi with Chinese President Xi)

Snapshot AI

  • Chinese media criticizes US statement on India’s economic rise
  • US cautions India, won’t repeat past trade mistakes with China
  • India urged to diversify partners, focus on self-reliance

Chinese state media, on Friday afternoon, criticised a recent statement by the U.S. suggesting that Washington would not allow India to become a rival like China.

Taking to microblogging site X, the Global Times wrote, “The claim that the US won’t allow India to become a rival like China sounds odd. Does it imply that China’s rise happened because the US allowed it? Or that the US will not allow India to develop? The logic is puzzling”.

Story continues below Advertisement

The comments come after US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau addressed India’s Raisina Dialogue 2026, signalling caution in ongoing trade negotiations between Washington and New Delhi. Landau said the US would not repeat “the same mistakes” it made with China two decades ago, when economic engagement allowed Beijing to emerge as a major global competitor.

“We are excited about the trade deal that is almost at the finish line now, and I think that can be the basis for really unlocking almost limitless potential,” Landau had said, further adding, “But India should understand that we are not going to make the same mistakes with India that we made with China 20 years ago… then the next thing we know, you are beating us in a lot of commercial things”.

He emphasised that the US would act in the interests of its citizens, adding, “We have to be accountable to our own people just as the government of India has to be accountable to its people.” Landau also offered cooperation to help India address both short- and long-term energy challenges, particularly amid supply disruptions from the Middle East.

The remarks drew sharp reactions in India.

Former foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal questioned whether the US intended to “control and calibrate India’s economic rise,” urging Indian policymakers to “diversify economic partners and focus razor-like on atmanirbharta.” Social media responses echoed caution, with users warning against relying too heavily on the US in bilateral trade under the Trump administration.

India has been negotiating a trade deal with the US that includes a reduction in tariffs, from 50% to 18%, while also pursuing agreements with the European Union to reduce dependence on any single partner. Analysts said Landau’s remarks, framed as a cautionary note, underline Washington’s approach of balancing trade benefits with strategic self-interest.