Donald Trump Admits Tension With India, Says PM Modi Unhappy Over High Tariffs

Washington: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday gave a big statement regarding Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said that his relations with PM Modi are good, but Modi is not happy with him on the issue of tariffs. Especially the heavy tax imposed on the purchase of oil from Russia has brought some tension in the relations between the two countries.

Why is PM Modi angry with Trump?

Speaking during the House GOP member retreat, Trump said that Prime Minister Modi is unhappy because of the high tariffs imposed on India. According to Trump, India is now paying more taxes to America. However, he also claimed that India has reduced oil purchases from Russia significantly compared to earlier.

Trump said, "The relationship between me and Modi is very good. But he is not happy that now India has to pay higher tariffs. Yet India has reduced oil purchases from Russia to a great extent."

#WATCH | US President Donald Trump says, "... I have a very good relationship with PM Modi, but he is not happy with me as India is paying high tariffs. But now they have reduced it very substantially, buying oil from Russia."

Source: The White House/ YouTube pic.twitter.com/5Ps2klCnjy

— ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2026

What is America's objection to purchasing oil from Russia?

America has imposed a total tariff of 50 percent on India, of which 25 percent tax is directly related to the purchase of oil from Russia. Washington believes that continuing energy trade with Russia helps it economically, so America wants countries like India to reduce this trade or stop it completely.

Trump has already warned that if India does not reduce oil purchases from Russia, then more strict measures can be taken.

Could tariffs increase further?

Recently, during a conversation with journalists in Air Force One, Trump clearly said that the option of increasing tariffs on India is still open. “If India does not cooperate on the Russian oil issue, we can increase tariffs,” he said.

However, Trump also praised Prime Minister Modi. He said that Modi is a good person and he knew that America was angry on this issue.

What did Trump say on the Apache helicopter deal?

Referring to India-US defense cooperation, Trump also raised the issue of delivery of Apache helicopters. He said that India has been waiting for Apache helicopters for a long time.

According to Trump, India has ordered 68 Apache helicopters, and now some changes are being made in this matter, although he did not give much information.

Will there be any way out through talks?

Despite all these differences, both the countries have indicated that talks will continue. Recently, there was a phone conversation between Trump and PM Modi, in which emphasis was laid on taking forward business relations and finding solutions.

At present, it is clear that the issue of tariffs and oil purchases from Russia remains the biggest challenge in India-US relations, but both sides seem to be in no mood to spoil the relations completely.