India's PM Seeks Closer Ties on Asia Tour to Offset Fallout From US Tariffs

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi headed overseas on Aug. 28 to meet the leaders of China, Japan, and Russia, seeking to build closer diplomatic ties as New Delhi battles the fallout from US President Donald Trump's escalating tariff offensive.

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By drawing nearer to some of the world's largest economies, including his first visit to China in seven years, Mr. Modi hopes to boost support for his flagship Make in India initiative, mainly from Japan, as Mr. Trump's measures spur new partnerships.

"This will be an opportunity to launch several new initiatives to build greater resilience in the relationship, and to respond to emerging opportunities and challenges," Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said of the Japan visit.

While New Delhi has said it is relying on talks to resolve Mr. Trump's additional tariffs of up to 50 percent on Indian exports, Japan's top trade negotiator canceled a US visit over a snag in the two nations' tariff deal.

Mr. Modi's visit to Japan on Aug. 29 and 30 gains significance as both belong to the Quad grouping, along with Australia and the United States, which seeks to counter China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.