Modi turns to Asia amid US tariff strain

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

By drawing nearer to some of the world’s largest economies, including his first visit to China in seven years, Modi hopes to to boost support for his flagship "Make in India" initiative, mainly from Japan, as 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.

Read: US tariffs on Indian goods double to 50% over Russian oil purchases

While New Delhi says it is relying on talks to resolve Trump's additional tariffs of up to 50% on Indian exports, Japan's top trade negotiator cancelled a US visit over a snag in the two nation's tariff deal.

Ryosei Akazawa was due to fly to Washington to craft a written confirmation of the terms of the package, such as the split of investment returns between US and Japan but canceled last minute on Thursday.

Modi’s visit to Japan slated for Friday and Saturday 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.

Read more: Japan, India start first joint fighter jet drill

The Quad, officially the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, is a group of four countries: United States, Australia, India, and Japan that ensures and sustain an open, free and prosperous Indo-Pacific region

Despite strained ties with Washington, India said Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba would discuss expanding cooperation within the framework of the regional security grouping.

Japanese companies are set to invest up to 10 trillion yen ($68 billion) in India in the next decade, public broadcaster NHK said, as Suzuki Motor pledged to pump in about $8 billion over the next five to six years.

The two nations were partners 'made for eachother' Modi said this week, after visiting a Suzuki plant in India.

Their leaders are expected to discuss tie-ups on critical minerals and Japanese investments in high-value manufacturing in India, officials said.

Also read: India and China work to improve ties amid Trump's unpredictability

India is believed to hold substantial deposits of rare earths, used in everything from smartphones to solar panels, but lacks the technology to mine and process them extensively.

India, China rapproachement

Modi next travels to China for a two-day summit of regional security bloc Shanghai Cooperation Organisation from Sunday. His visit comes as the neighbours strive to defuse tension following deadly border clashes in 2020.

He is expected to meet both Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin for two-way talks.

China and India seek to resume direct flights after a gap of five years and are discussing easing trade barriers, including reopening border trade at three Himalayan crossings.

India is also considering easing investment rules that put greater scrutiny on Chinese companies, while Beijing recently agreed to lift curbs on exports of fertilisers, rare earth minerals and tunnel boring machines to India.

The meeting comes against the backdrop of Washington's long-held desire for the world's largest democracy to act as a counterweight to China, which analysts say could offer New Delhi leverage in the effort to secure lower tariffs.