Very good ties with PM Modi, but he is not happy: Trump on tariffs

The issue of steep US tariffs on Indian goods has returned to the spotlight following a series of remarks by US President Donald Trump, combining fresh warnings with references to his “very good relationship” with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

 The comments come amid tariffs of up to 50% imposed by Washington on Indian products, largely over New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil.

Trump flags tariffs despite ‘friendly’ ties

Speaking at a House GOP Member Retreat in Washington DC on Tuesday, Trump said his ties with Prime Minister Modi remained strong but acknowledged tensions over trade. “He’s not that happy with me because they’re paying a lot of tariffs now,” Trump said, adding that India had “reduced it very substantially” by cutting oil purchases from Russia. He also hinted that trade decisions were influenced by his personal equation with world leaders.

Earlier, Trump warned that tariffs could be raised further if US concerns were not addressed. “We could raise tariffs on them very quickly,” he told reporters, stressing that trade choices needed to align with Washington’s strategic interests.

Oil imports and trade calculations

The US has argued that India’s imports of discounted Russian oil indirectly support Moscow amid the Ukraine war. While India’s oil imports from Russia rose in November, data suggest a decline in December. At the same time, purchases from the US increased, reflecting New Delhi’s efforts to diversify energy sources.

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Trump defended the tariff regime, claiming it benefits the US economy, even as trade discussions with India remain sensitive and unresolved.