US President Donald Trump has made a big statement about India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Trump said that his relationship with PM Modi is good, but Modi is not happy with him at the moment. According to Trump, this is because India is buying oil from Russia, and due to this, India has to pay high tariffs.
Trump said that PM Modi himself had asked for time to meet him. He also spoke about defence cooperation and said that India had been waiting for Apache helicopters for many years. Trump added,
“We are changing that. India has ordered 68 Apache helicopters.”
“PM Modi Is a Good Person,” Says Trump
Earlier, while speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump said,
“Prime Minister Modi is a very good person. He knows that I am not happy. It is important to keep me happy.”
Trump also warned that although India trades with the US, America can increase tariffs on India very quickly if it wants.
He said earlier,
“They (India) trade with us, and we can raise tariffs on them very fast.”
Trump has repeatedly hinted that extra duties may be imposed on India, especially because India continues to buy Russian oil. He has also said that the US may take strict action against countries that keep trading with Russia.
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Trump Had Imposed Heavy Tariffs on India
Last year, Trump took an aggressive stand on tariffs against India.
- He imposed a 25% reciprocal tariff on Indian goods.
- He also added a 25% penalty tariff because India was buying Russian oil.
Because of this, total duties on some products went up to 50%. This decision caused tension in India–US relations.
At that time, India clearly said that it makes decisions based on its national interest and energy security.
Phone Call Between Modi and Trump
Trump’s latest warnings came just weeks after a phone call between him and PM Modi. During the call, both leaders agreed to continue cooperation and boost trade, even though tariff tensions remain.
The phone call happened on the same day when Indian and US officials started a new round of talks to resolve the tariff dispute.
Trump’s Comment on Indian Rice
A few days before the phone call, Trump made a strong comment about Indian rice. During a White House roundtable meeting, a US farmer accused India, China, and Thailand of dumping rice.
Reacting to this, Trump asked US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent,
“Why is India allowed to do this? They should pay tariffs. Do they get any special treatment on rice?”
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“Tariffs Can Fix the Problem in Two Minutes”
When Trump was told that a trade deal with India was being discussed, he said,
“But they should not do this. We will fix it. Tariffs solve problems in two minutes.”
Trade Talks Still Stuck
At present, talks between India and the US are stuck. Washington is putting strong pressure on India to reduce import duties on US farm products.
The US wants India to open its market more for American farmers. On the other hand, India has clearly said that it cannot ignore its own farmers and domestic agricultural interests.