US President Donald Trump has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying India reduced its purchases of Russian oil after understanding Washington’s concerns.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump described Modi as a “good man” and a “good guy”. He suggested New Delhi adjusted its policy after realising the White House was unhappy with India’s continued energy trade with Russia.
“They (Indians) wanted to make me happy, basically. (PM) Modi’s a very good man. Yes, he’s a good guy. He knew I was not happy, and it was important to make me happy. They do trade, and we can raise tariffs on that very quickly,” Trump said.
The remarks were also framed as a warning. Trump said tariff action could follow “very quickly” if countries continued trade practices Washington disapproved of, making clear that energy imports remained tied to broader trade consequences.
The comments come at a time when India and the United States are engaged in trade negotiations, with energy ties emerging as a sensitive point in the discussions.
How tariffs entered the India–Russia oil issue
The United States has already imposed punitive tariffs of up to 50 per cent on a range of Indian exports. These include textiles, chemicals and food products such as shrimp, underscoring Washington’s willingness to use trade pressure to influence policy choices.
US Senator Lindsey Graham, who was travelling with the President, said tariff pressure had already pushed India to buy significantly less Russian crude.
Graham argued that the move weakens Moscow’s ability to fund its war in Ukraine and shows how tariffs can influence foreign policy decisions.
He credited the 25 per cent tariff imposed by the Trump administration on India’s purchase of Russian oil for producing visible results.
“I really do believe what he did with India is the chief reason India is now buying substantially less Russian oil,” he said.
What Washington may do next
“If you’re buying cheap Russian oil keeping Putin’s war machine going, we’re trying to give the President the ability to make that a hard choice,” Graham said.
Graham said his proposed legislation would give the US President wide powers to impose tariffs on countries that continue buying discounted Russian energy.
The bill, backed by 85 co-sponsors, would allow tariffs ranging from zero to 500 per cent, depending on the President’s discretion.
Recalling a recent meeting with Indian officials, Graham said India’s reduced Russian oil purchases were already a key topic of discussion. “I was at the Indian ambassador’s house about a month ago, and all he wanted to talk about is how they’re buying less Russian oil…This works,” Graham claimed.
Trump also compared his approach to the Biden administration’s Ukraine policy. He accused it of spending heavily without securing returns. “Now we get paid,” Trump said.
The US President has also hinted at expanding tariff action beyond energy, accusing India of dumping rice in the US market. The remarks suggest trade pressure could widen even as talks between the two sides continue.