Trump Says PM Modi “Not That Happy” Over Tariffs on Russian Oil
Trade Tensions Emerge in India–US Relationship
Washington/New Delhi — U.S. President Donald Trump has acknowledged a strain in trade relations with India, saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is “not that happy” with him over steep tariffs linked to New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil. Trump’s remarks, made at a Republican leadership retreat in Washington, highlight rising economic frictions between two long-standing strategic partners.
Trump said he still enjoys a “very good relationship” with Modi, but conceded tensions over tariff measures the United States has imposed on Indian goods — most notably a 50 % duty that includes a penalty for crude oil bought from Russia. According to the U.S. position, these tariffs aim to pressure India to reduce energy purchases from Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
The U.S. leader noted that India has cut back its Russian oil imports substantially, but said New Delhi’s earlier buying patterns resulted in heavy tariff burdens that Modi finds burdensome. He added that higher levies remain on the table should India continue to import Russian crude.
Trump also touched on bilateral defence cooperation, including the delayed delivery of Apache helicopters, suggesting that broader ties extend beyond trade and energy. Analysts see his remarks as part of a broader U.S. strategy to link economic leverage with geopolitical goals.
India has maintained that its energy imports are driven by national interest and market dynamics. New Delhi has not formally confirmed Trump’s description of its response, but officials have been engaging Washington in talks to ease trade tensions while preserving strategic cooperation.
As India and the U.S. navigate these differences, both sides appear keen to keep diplomatic channels open, even as tariff-related disputes test the limits of their economic partnership.
