Trump’s Big Warning: ‘PM Modi Knew I Wasn’t Happy’ as US Hints at 5 New Tariffs Over Russian Oil
Trump claims PM Modi knew he was unhappy as the US hints at new tariffs over India’s Russian oil imports
US President Donald Trump has hinted at imposing fresh tariffs on India over its continued imports of Russian oil, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi “knew he was not happy.”
Addressing reporters on board Air Force One on Sunday, Trump said, “PM Modi’s a very good man. He’s a good guy. 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.”
Last year, Trump ramped up his tariff offensive, imposing a 25 per cent reciprocal tariff on India and another 25 per cent penalty for buying Russian oil, taking total duties in some categories to a staggering 50 per cent. This move led to a sharp deterioration of ties between New Delhi and Washington.
The US President’s latest threat comes only weeks after he had a telephonic conversation with PM Modi, during which the two leaders emphasised the need to maintain momentum in their shared efforts to enhance bilateral trade despite ongoing tariff tensions.
Their conversation took place the same day as negotiators from the two nations kickstarted a fresh round of talks aimed at resolving the tariff impasse.
Just a few days before the call, Trump had threatened fresh tariffs on Indian rice after a farmer representative at a White House roundtable complained of dumping by India, China and Thailand.
“Why is India allowed to do that? They have to pay tariffs. Do they have an exemption on rice?” Trump asked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at the time.
When told a trade deal is in the works, Trump added, “but they [India] shouldn’t be doing that… We will get it settled. Tariffs solve the problem in two minutes.”
Talks between India and the US to resolve the tariff impasse have stalled, with Washington pushing hard to prevent steep import duties on American agricultural products.
New Delhi, however, remains steadfast in protecting the country’s farming and dairy sectors.
Former US President Donald Trump has once again stirred geopolitical and trade discussions by claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was aware of his dissatisfaction over India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, while hinting at the possibility of new tariffs if concerns are not addressed. The remarks, made during a recent public interaction, have sparked renewed debate over US-India trade ties, global energy politics, and the West’s approach towards Russia amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Trump’s comments come at a time when India has significantly increased imports of discounted Russian crude following Western sanctions on Moscow. While India has consistently defended its position by citing national interest and energy security, the issue has remained a sensitive topic in diplomatic conversations with the United States and its allies.
Referring to his conversations with world leaders during his presidency, Trump stated that PM Modi knew he was unhappy about India’s oil trade with Russia. Though Trump did not announce immediate action, his remarks suggested that tariffs could be used as leverage to pressure countries engaging in large-scale energy trade with Moscow.
While Trump no longer holds office, his statements carry weight due to his influence within US politics and the possibility of a return to power. Analysts say the remarks signal how a future Trump-led administration could take a tougher stance on countries perceived to be undermining Western sanctions.
India has repeatedly maintained that its energy procurement decisions are driven by economic necessity and national interest. With global crude prices fluctuating sharply, discounted Russian oil has helped India manage inflation, reduce import bills, and protect domestic consumers from fuel price shocks.
Indian officials have also pointed out that energy imports from Russia remain within international law, as sanctions imposed by Western nations do not legally bind India. New Delhi has emphasised its policy of strategic autonomy, balancing relationships with both Western allies and traditional partners like Russia.
Despite differences over Russian oil, India and the US continue to share a strong strategic partnership, particularly in defence, technology, and Indo-Pacific security. The two nations are key partners in the Quad alliance, alongside Japan and Australia, aimed at countering China’s growing influence in the region.
Experts believe that while Trump’s comments may sound confrontational, any future US action would likely weigh the broader importance of India as a strategic ally. Trade tensions, if escalated through tariffs, could complicate economic cooperation between the two countries.
Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Western countries have imposed sweeping sanctions on Moscow, including restrictions on energy exports. However, nations like India and China have continued buying Russian oil at discounted rates, reshaping global energy flows.
Trump has long advocated a hardline trade policy, using tariffs as a tool to achieve geopolitical goals. His recent remarks fit into that pattern, suggesting economic pressure could be used to influence foreign policy decisions related to Russia.
Trump’s statement has drawn mixed reactions. Some US lawmakers and analysts argue that pressuring India could be counterproductive, potentially pushing New Delhi closer to alternative alliances. Others believe stronger measures are necessary to enforce global sanctions.
In India, the remarks have prompted discussions among policy experts about the risks of future trade friction. Market watchers note that any serious tariff threat could impact sectors beyond energy, including pharmaceuticals, IT services, and manufacturing exports.
For now, Trump’s comments remain a political signal rather than an official policy announcement. The Indian government has not issued a direct response, but past statements suggest New Delhi will continue defending its energy strategy.
As global power dynamics evolve, the issue highlights the delicate balancing act India faces—protecting economic interests while navigating pressures from major global powers. Whether Trump’s tariff hints translate into concrete action will depend largely on future political developments in the United States.
Read Also : Mumbai’s Garbage Crisis Explodes: 5 Alarming Reasons the City Is Choking on Waste
