New Delhi: US President Donald Trump has said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unhappy with him over the steep tariffs imposed on Indian goods, attributing the tension to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. Speaking during an interaction with Republican lawmakers in Washington, Trump stressed that his personal relationship with the Indian leader remains strong despite differences over trade and energy policy.
Trump said he shares a good rapport with PM Modi but acknowledged that the tariff issue has caused discomfort. He pointed out that India has been paying significantly higher duties, which he linked directly to its oil imports from Russia. According to him, these purchases were a key factor behind the decision to impose cumulative tariffs of up to 50 percent on Indian products entering the US market.
During his remarks, Trump suggested that New Delhi had recently reduced its exposure by cutting back on Russian oil purchases, a move he portrayed as an attempt to ease tensions. He described PM Modi in positive terms and indicated that the Indian leadership was aware of Washington’s dissatisfaction and keen to stabilise trade ties.
The US president defended the tariff policy, saying the measures were financially beneficial for the United States. He reiterated that tariffs were being used as leverage to address broader strategic concerns, particularly India’s energy trade with Moscow amid the ongoing Russia Ukraine conflict. Trump has repeatedly argued that buying discounted Russian crude indirectly supports Russia’s economy during the war.
Trump’s comments followed earlier warnings that tariffs on Indian goods could be raised further if US concerns over Russian oil imports are not addressed. He has openly connected trade pressure with geopolitical objectives, making energy purchases a central issue in bilateral discussions.
At the same time, Trump has projected himself as a potential mediator in the Russia Ukraine war, holding separate conversations with Russian and Ukrainian leaders, though no tangible progress has been announced.
India has previously pushed back against claims that PM Modi assured Washington of halting Russian oil purchases. New Delhi clarified that no such commitment was made and has maintained that its energy decisions are driven by national interest and market considerations.
Despite the friction, both sides continue to underline the broader strategic importance of India US relations, even as trade and energy disagreements remain unresolved.
