Trump Hints at Higher Tariffs on India, Says Modi Knew He Was Unhappy Over Russian Oil

Trump Hints at Higher Tariffs on India Over Russian Oil, Mentions Modi.

US President Donald Trump on Monday suggested that the United States could raise tariffs on Indian imports if New Delhi did not cooperate on the “Russian oil issue.” Speaking to reporters, Trump referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a “good guy” who knew the US was unhappy with India’s oil trade with Russia.

“India wanted to make me happy. Modi is a very good guy and he knew I was not happy. And it was important to make me happy. We can raise tariffs on them very quickly,” Trump said, according to an audio recording.

The comments come months after the Trump administration doubled tariffs on Indian imports to 50% in August 2025, citing India’s ongoing oil purchases from Russia. India has repeatedly maintained that its energy decisions are guided by market dynamics and domestic needs, denying that any promise was made to halt Russian oil imports.

Trump made the remarks during a briefing on US strategy following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, in which oil was a central focus. Many US officials have criticized India’s Russian oil trade, arguing that proceeds indirectly fund Russia’s war in Ukraine. Trump’s tariffs were widely seen as a tactic to pressure Moscow.

The latest statements could put fresh strain on India–US diplomatic ties, which had shown some improvement after Modi and Trump exchanged friendly gestures following the initial tariff imposition.