Trump Says PM Modi Unhappy Over US Tariffs as India Cuts Russian Oil Imports

US President Donald Trump said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unhappy with him over the steep tariffs imposed by Washington on Indian goods, even as the two leaders continue to share a cordial relationship. Speaking at the House GOP Member Retreat, Trump said India is paying high tariffs because of its trade practices and earlier purchases of Russian oil, adding that Modi had recently met him despite the differences.

Trump claimed that India has now “very substantially” reduced its imports of Russian oil, a move he linked to US pressure. Despite ongoing trade negotiations, the US has imposed tariffs of up to 50 per cent on Indian products, including a 25 per cent penalty tied to New Delhi’s continued engagement with Russian energy supplies. Trump also suggested that tariffs could be raised further if he remains dissatisfied with India’s trade actions.

Meanwhile, US Senator Lindsey Graham said Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra had urged him to convey to Trump that India is cutting back on Russian oil purchases and to seek relief from the 25 per cent tariff. Graham said the issue dominated his recent discussions with the Indian envoy, highlighting the growing strain in India-US trade relations amid geopolitical and energy concerns.

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