U.S. President Donald Trump has said Prime Minister Narendra Modi “knew he was not happy” with India's purchases of Russian oil and that Washington can raise tariffs on New Delhi “very quickly”.
These remarks were made by President Trump while talking to reporters on Sunday (January 4, 2026) aboard Air Force One en route to Washington DC from Florida.
“They (India) wanted to make me happy, basically. Modi is a very good man; he is a good guy. He knew I was not happy, and it was important to make me happy. They do trad,e and we can raise tariffs on them very quickly. It would be very bad for them,” Mr. Trump said.
India cuts Russian oil imports by 38% in October 2025, sharpest fall so far
*Mr. Trump's remarks came after U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, accompanying him on Air Force One, said that the tariffs imposed on India by Mr. Trump are the “chief reason” New Delhi is now buying substantially less Russian oil.
