Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the principle of “no permanent friends or foes, only permanent interests” amid rising tensions with the US over tariffs and India’s warming relations with China. He asserted that India’s focus remains on the welfare of farmers and small traders, reinforcing the government’s commitment to self-reliance regardless of external pressure. Singh’s comments come as relations with China appear to be improving following a history of border tensions, coinciding with PM Modi’s upcoming visit to China for the SCO Summit. This strategic stance underscores India’s resilient approach to geopolitics and its determination to prioritize national interests in an evolving global landscape.