US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One while en route to Washington, commenting on the situation in Venezuela. (Screengrab/The White House)
ISLAMABAD: US President Donald Trump said on Monday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was keen to “please” him, while renewing his warning that Washington could further raise tariffs on India over its continued purchases of Russian oil if New Delhi does not “help” on the issue.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump directly linked the threat to the Russia-Ukraine war and India’s energy ties with Moscow. “We could raise tariffs on India if they don’t help on the Russian oil issue,” he said.
Trump added that New Delhi was aware of his displeasure. “They wanted to make me happy, basically. PM Modi’s a very good man. He knew I was not happy. It was important to make me happy. They do trade, and we can raise tariffs on them very quickly,” he said.
The remarks reflect Washington’s continued pressure on India over its oil imports from Russia, which Trump has repeatedly criticized. In August 2025, his administration doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 percent, accusing New Delhi of indirectly strengthening Russia’s war effort by buying discounted crude.
India is already facing steep tariffs, despite defending its energy policy as necessary for domestic energy security. Trump has maintained a strong interest in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, positioning himself as a potential mediator while simultaneously using trade measures to push allies to align with US policy on Moscow.
'National shame'
Trump’s remarks also drew criticism within India. Saurabh Bharadwaj, president of the Aam Aadmi Party’s Delhi unit, described the comments as a “national shame,” saying they portrayed India as being arm-twisted by Washington.
In a post on social media, Bharadwaj said a video circulating online showed US officials “mocking India” and bragging about how Trump pressured Prime Minister Narendra Modi to cut oil imports from Russia.
He said Trump’s claim that Modi wanted to “make him happy” damaged India’s image and raised serious questions about New Delhi’s foreign policy independence.
Earlier, Trump said that Modi had assured him India would stop buying Russian oil, describing it as a “big step” to increase pressure on Moscow. Indian officials later claimed that assertion, saying no such assurance or conversation had taken place.
Trump’s latest comments come as Indian and US officials have launched another round of negotiations aimed at easing long-standing trade tensions, which have been exacerbated by the sharp rise in tariffs and Washington’s demands over New Delhi’s Russia policy.
