The upcoming summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea on October 31, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in Asia’s geopolitical landscape, with significant implications for India’s strategic posture. Set against the backdrop of escalating US-China trade tensions, rare earth export controls, and technological rivalry, the meeting could recalibrate the regional balance of power. India, navigating its strategic autonomy amid deepening US-Russia friction and its own energy ties with Moscow, closely observes the summit’s outcomes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to participate virtually in the ASEAN summit, while avoiding a direct meeting with Trump, underscores New Delhi’s cautious diplomacy, prioritizing energy security and economic stability over transactional alignments. As Washington pressures India over Russian oil imports through punitive tariffs, New Delhi is compelled to diversify energy sources and strengthen regional partnerships. The summit’s trajectory will influence India’s positioning in Indo-Pacific frameworks, testing its ability to balance relations with Washington, Beijing, and Moscow while safeguarding sovereignty and growth.