India and China Enhance Ties Amid Trump’s Unpredictability as Quad Advances Ports Partnership and Tech Cooperation with Indonesia’s Global South Vision

India and China are actively working to improve bilateral ties amid uncertainties stemming from the unpredictability of U.S. President Donald Trump's policies during his second administration. This shift in regional dynamics has led China to increase its involvement in South Asian affairs, a move noted by analysts as being facilitated by the changing U.S. approach. Indian officials, who previously regarded India as a central player in Asia, have had to reassess their position in light of Trump's administration. Concurrently, the Indo-Pacific region is witnessing efforts to strengthen maritime connectivity and infrastructure, highlighted by the Quad's new Ports of the Future Partnership, which aims to build resilient maritime architecture. The Quad, comprising India, Indonesia, Japan, and Australia, is also advancing cooperation in critical sectors such as semiconductors, 5G technology, and clean energy. An upcoming summit in India is expected to provide an opportunity to deepen these partnerships. Additionally, Indonesia is promoting a vision for the Global South that emphasizes reshaping trade, climate action, and maritime order, with digital public infrastructure playing a key role in innovation across the region.