The drama around Trump’s “Lost India” comment is far from over. Facing criticism for alienating New Delhi, Trump now says he still likes Modi and values India-US ties. But behind the rhetoric lie tariffs, trade wars, and Washington’s frustration with India’s independent stance on Russian oil. While the US calls India’s oil purchases a betrayal, Delhi refuses to be pressured, asserting that partnerships stand on their own merit—not through the prism of third countries. With the SCO summit strengthening India’s ties with Russia and China, can Trump’s damage-control diplomacy mend the cracks?