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Trump Says Modi "Not Happy" Over US Tariffs on Russian Oil Purchases

US President Donald Trump stated that while he has a good relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Modi is unhappy with the high tariffs the US imposed due to India's significant purchases of Russian oil. Trump warned that Washington could raise tariffs further if New Delhi does not address US concerns over supporting Russia's economy amid the Ukraine conflict. India has rejected Trump's assertion that Modi assured him India would stop buying Russian oil, clarifying no such conversation occurred. Trump also positioned himself as a potential mediator in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, having held talks with both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Key Points: Trump on India Tariffs: "PM Modi is not happy with me"

  • Trump cites Modi's unhappiness over tariffs
  • 50% tariffs imposed for Russian oil buys
  • US warns of further tariff hikes
  • India denies Modi gave oil purchase assurance
  • Trump positions as Russia-Ukraine mediator
2 min read

"PM Modi is not happy with me": Trump over high tariffs imposed on India for purchasing Russian oil

Donald Trump discusses tariff tensions with Narendra Modi over India's Russian oil imports, warning of further increases if concerns aren't addressed.

"I have a very good relationship with PM Modi, but he is not happy with me as India is paying high tariffs. - Donald Trump"

Washington, DC, January 6

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday reiterated his good relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi; however, he underscored PM Modi's unhappiness over the high tariffs imposed on India for purchasing Russian oil.

At the House GOP Member Retreat, US President Donald Trump discussed his exchanges with PM Modi regarding US defence sales and tariff measures. He suggested that although relations remain cordial, the tariff issue has created tension.

"... I have a very good relationship with PM Modi, but he is not happy with me as India is paying high tariffs. But now they have reduced it very substantially, buying oil from Russia," Donald Trump said.

The tariffs, totalling 50%, were imposed due to India's significant purchases of Russian oil, which the US sees as supporting Russia's economy amid the Ukraine conflict.

Trump's remarks came a day after he warned that Washington could further raise tariffs on Indian goods if New Delhi does not address US concerns over Russian oil imports.

"They wanted to make me happy, basically. Modi is a very good man; he is a good guy. He knew I was not happy, and it was important to make me happy," he said.

Trump also defended the tariff policy during his address, asserting that the United States was benefiting financially from the measures.

Trump's comments follow a series of warnings to New Delhi over its ongoing energy trade with Moscow. Earlier, he warned that the US could raise tariffs further if India does not "help on the Russian oil issue," directly connecting the pressure to the Russia-Ukraine war.

He has accused India of strengthening Moscow by buying discounted Russian crude and has cited this as the basis for sharply higher duties on Indian goods. Trump has also used tariff pressure to influence India's actions, suggesting that New Delhi was aware of his dissatisfaction and sought to maintain stable trade relations.

At the same time, US President Donald Trump has positioned himself as a potential mediator in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, holding talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, though without any concrete breakthrough.

India has earlier rejected Trump's assertion that PM Narendra Modi had assured him New Delhi would stop purchasing Russian oil, clarifying that no such conversation or assurance had taken place.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
It's concerning how Trump frames this as a personal issue between him and Modi. Trade and geopolitics should be based on national interests, not on whether one leader is "happy" or not. This approach is very transactional.
A
Aditya G
With all due respect, the US lectures us on Russian oil while Europe has been buying it for years, just through different routes. The double standard is glaring. India must prioritize affordable energy for its growth.
P
Priya S
The government has already clarified that no assurance to stop buying Russian oil was given. We should trust our MEA's statement over Trump's claims. Our diplomacy has always been about strategic autonomy.
M
Michael C
While I understand India's need for affordable oil, supporting Russia's economy during its war does have global consequences. There's a valid point about not funding aggression, even if the oil is cheap.
K
Kavya N
This is pure economic bullying. 50% tariffs? That hurts our exporters and American consumers. We should also look at diversifying our trade partnerships more strongly. Time to reduce over-dependence on any one market.

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