Bharat may be facing more than one foe in the arena of global geopolitics. It seems that the USA and China have quietly struck a Devil’s Deal with each other behind the backs of the world. As American bombs struck Iran, they broke their nuclear ambitions – they also opened up a back channel for an unholy pact between the world’s two competing superpowers.
While Iran-USA-Israel continues to trade barbs on social media – US President Trump grants permission only to China to buy sanctioned Iranian oil. In exchange, China loosens rare earth mineral controls, only to the USA. Meanwhile, President Xi sends a surprise message to the world. For the first time, China is choosing absence from BRICS meetings in favor of an SCO meeting. Thus, signaling a geopolitical power play and a strategic alliance to contain the rise of Bharat. Is it a cleverly orchestrated pact or a mere coincidence?
USA and China – Bombs, Ceasefire, and Oil Loopholes
The USA backed Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and military structure. A reluctant President Trump sent his B‑2 bombers to finish the nuclear nightmares of the world. While it set back Tehran’s program by months – if not years – it also pushed Iran toward a volatile ceasefire. And then came Trump’s Truth Social post declaring that China can now continue to purchase oil from Iran.
Trump’s declarations on Truth Social are now becoming the White House’s Official Notice Board – And it effectively greenlighted Chinese tankers despite U. sanctions on Iran.
Thereafter, in an interview, Trump spoke to the media to declare that a battered Iran needs the money to rebuild and so he let China buy oil from them! Although, the White House insists it’s not a policy reversal, but an outcome of de-escalation in a conflict. To the world, this displays the mercantile nature of Trump’s politics while positioning himself as the “Chief Peace Broker” while China refuels.
Why it matters – Tehran walks a tightrope – its nuclear ambitions delayed but its economy pumping.
To whom it mattered – China won exclusive access to the non-sanctioned Iranian oil trade, while India and South Korea remain shut out of this energy pardon.
Rare Earths for Oil: The Shadowy Trade
Soon after the Chinese were given Royal Trump’s Pardon on Iranian Oil, the US trumpeted about how the USA and China have made a trade deal. Thus, in a parallel move to oil pardons, the US and China finalized a trade-off: China resumed rare earth exports only to America, USA removed countermeasures.
Rare earth (elements and magnets) power every smart device of the world – from smartphones to missiles.
And the USA depends heavily on Chinese imports of REE. Rare earths bolster America’s defense-industrial complex—while the oil loophole cushions Beijing’s geopolitical assets. Together, this crafts a transactional foundation for continued global dominance. Analysts described it as a straight swap: “deliver rare earth, drop oil sanctions”.
Strategic insight: The REE trade is only resumed with the USA by China. Thereby, leaving EU and Bharat out of the loop. Thus, while the ban on REE trade was CCP’s response to Trump’s Tariff Wars – the only ones paying the price are the rest of the world.
Xi’s BRICS No‑Show: Political Statement against Bharat or Scheduling Fluke?
For the first time since 2013, China’s President Xi Jinping may skip the BRICS Summit in Brazil. The official statement cites scheduling conflicts with the SCO summit. Behind the scenes, Chinese media hints at deeper political disquiet – Brazil’s state dinner invitation to PM Modi reportedly rankled Xi Jinping! Bharat and China in a direct face-off for regional dominance. Their cooperation is never for mutual goals – just mutual need to rise against US hegemony!
BRICS over SCO is exactly the outcome that the USA wants from the rising new powers of the world!
Chinese media wants the world to believe that Xi Jinping is uncomfortable sharing the spotlight with Bharat. Although this is not news, this would be the first time President Xi has missed a BRICS summit since coming to power. The political tug-of-war shows that the CCP places cooperation with Trump’s ambition more important than global unity.
Meanwhile, Bharat is walking its own path – refusing to bow at the SCO meet that does not condemn terrorism and its sponsors. PM Modi is attending state dinners, accepting civilian awards, and negotiating UPI/BRICS collaborations. Thus, as the face and force of Bharat – Modinomics is reinforcing New Delhi’s global rise – despite challenges by the Chinese Dragon and US Eagle!
Divide and Contain? A Deal Against Bharat ‘s Ascent
This subtle alliance – oil leniency in exchange for strategic minerals and SCO over BRICS – should alert the world to the Devil’s Pact between the US and China! The not-so-subtle- cooperation suggests a shared interest: slowing down Bharat’s growth and momentum. While America and China trade tactical advantages, India accelerates in global finance, technology, and climate diplomacy.
By temporarily sidelining India both powers acknowledge Bharat as a fearsome competitor that needs arch-enemies to cooperate.
While the duo attempts to create levers to contain Bharat’s influence, India is building its own clout. This “third power containment pact” isn’t out of malice but of strategic self‑interest.
Bharat may face a global Cold War 2.0 disguised under unconventional partnerships of rivaling nations.
Final Take: The World at a Crossroads as Bharat Races Ahead
Bharat stands at a precarious global inflection point. The US-China “Deal among Devils” may secure short-term gains – but it forces Bharat to take a good look at a non-level playing field. Tariff wars, shoring up rare earth supply, and asserting diplomatic control on oil – may target Bharat but also ask it to prove its worth at the table of power.
By crafting exceptions and selective grants, the US and China have shown their cards and true nature.
The uncomfortable yet united cooperation between superpowers risks undermining global trust and empowering a fractured world order. The lesson is clear – Bharat must continue on the path of strategic and military autonomy. The world should observe closely how the Devil of the East and West unite to ensure growth only for their nation.
As the US and China calibrate deals to secure their future – India’s moral, economic, and diplomatic resilience will define whether it’s contained or crowned.