At the House GOP Member Retreat, 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
US President Donald Trump has said that while he shares a friendly relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian leader is not happy with Washington’s steep tariffs on New Delhi over the purchase of Russian oil.
At the House GOP Member Retreat, 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,” Trump said.
The US imposed 50 per cent tariffs on India last year as a punitive measure for buying Russian oil, which Washington considers as funding the war in Ukraine.
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.
The purchase of Russian oil has been a point of contention between India and the US, with the latter accusing New Delhi of “feeding Russia’s war machine” by purchasing its oil.
However, India has stood firm against pressure from Trump to stop purchasing Russian oil, stating it will continue to secure energy based on the most favourable rates and logistical factors.
Trump 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.
With inputs from agencies
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