Donald Trump claims Prime Minister Modi aims to please him, backing a senator’s assertion that India cut Russian oil imports to reduce US tariffs.

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”.

In a dramatic escalation of US–India trade tensions, US President Donald Trump has publicly said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi knew he was unhappy with India’s continued purchase of Russian oil — and that India curtailed its imports partly to “make him happy.” Trump also backed the claims of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham that tariff pressure from Washington was a key factor behind New Delhi’s reduction in Russian oil purchases. The comments have triggered fresh debate in both countries about energy policy, trade leverage, strategic autonomy and diplomatic etiquette.

Trump made the remarks on January 5, 2026, while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One as he returned to Washington, D.C., from Florida. The US President described Prime Minister Modi as a “very good man” — but also reiterated that Washington could swiftly raise tariffs on Indian imports if New Delhi doesn’t align more closely with US demands on Russian oil.

This article presents a comprehensive, balanced overview of the evolving situation — covering the US statements, India’s stance, global context, economic fallout and political reactions on both sides — along with suggested photos you could use to illustrate this major story.

Trump’s Remarks: “They Wanted to Make Me Happy”

Addressing the media on Sunday, Trump said:

“PM Modi’s a very good man. He knew I was not happy, and it was important to make me happy. They do trade, and we can raise tariffs on them very quickly.”

His comments implicitly linked India’s willingness to reduce — though not entirely halt — purchases of Russian oil to geopolitical pressure from Washington, including US tariffs on Indian goods. Trump has previously increased duties on a wide range of Indian exports — including textiles, jewellery, seafood and furniture — to a combined 50% in 2025, partly citing India’s energy ties with Russia.

Alongside Trump was Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally, who claimed that tariff pressure was the “chief reason” India cut back its Russian oil imports. Graham said an Indian envoy once told him that New Delhi was buying less Russian oil and asked Washington to consider relaxing tariffs — an assertion interpreted as evidence that tariffs worked as a lever.

Why US Tariffs Are Focused on Russian Oil

Trump and Graham’s current push reflects a broader US foreign policy strategy to pressure countries that buy discounted Russian energy — arguing that such purchases indirectly support Moscow’s ability to sustain its military operations in Ukraine. In this context:

The US has already doubled import tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, partly as a punitive measure tied to Russian oil purchases.
Graham’s proposed legislation would give the President authority to impose tariffs up to 500% on countries continuing to import Russian oil — a step he insists is necessary to make trade policy an effective tool of geopolitical pressure.

Trump warned that these tariff threats could be further intensified if India does not act in accordance with Washington’s wishes.

India’s Position: Strategic Autonomy and Energy Security

New Delhi’s approach to Russian oil has always been framed internally as a matter of energy security, cost efficiency and diversification, rather than diplomatic appeasement. Indian officials have repeatedly explained that while Russia remains an important supplier, India’s energy strategy is driven by domestic economic needs — not bilateral pressure.

Officials in New Delhi also emphasise that securing affordable and reliable energy sources is vital for India’s growing economy and industrial base — a nuance often missed in Washington’s framing.

So far, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Embassy in Washington have not publicly endorsed Trump’s characterization linking Modi’s actions to a desire to “make him happy.” New Delhi continues to maintain that its energy policy is rooted in its strategic interests.

Economic Fallout: Markets and Trade Relations

Trump’s latest remarks have quick repercussions:

Market Reaction

Indian IT and export-oriented sectors reacted nervously to the possibility of further tariff escalations, with key stock indices in export-linked sectors falling on Monday.

Tariff Impact on Indian Exports

The 50% tariff has already dampened the competitiveness of Indian goods in the US market, especially in labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, gems, jewellery and carpets.

Negotiations Still Unresolved

Trade talks between the US and India — including a potential bilateral trade deal — remain stalled as both countries try to balance economic priorities with geopolitical concerns.

Economists warn that continued tariff threats could lead to long-term damage to bilateral trade, hurting industries and jobs on both sides, unless a diplomatic and policy compromise is reached.

Political Reaction in India

Trump’s comments have provoked strong political reactions across the Indian political spectrum:

Opposition Parties

Critics argue that Trump’s framing suggests India’s foreign policy may be seen as subservient to US pressure, demanding clear clarification from the Modi government.
Some labelled Trump’s remarks a “national embarrassment” and asked why Indian policy should be shaped to satisfy US preferences.

Ruling Party and Government

The Modi government has stressed the importance of strategic autonomy, energy security and diversification. New Delhi has sought to balance its relations with both Washington and Moscow, without compromising its national priorities or international strategic positioning.

Diplomatic Messaging

India’s diplomatic engagement continues to underscore mutual respect and national interest, while emphasising that energy decisions are sovereign choices made in the context of domestic needs and global markets.

Global Context: Russia–Ukraine War and Energy Diplomacy

The backdrop to this episode is the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war, which has reshaped global energy politics:

Western sanctions on Russian energy have pushed Moscow to seek buyers in Asia — particularly India and China.
The US strategy has been to limit Russia’s export markets through sanctions, secondary tariffs and diplomatic pressure.
India has argued that its purchase of Russian oil is part of diversified sourcing and not equivalent to support for any country’s military objectives.

This complex intersection of trade policy, energy security and geopolitical strategy highlights how global conflicts can ripple through bilateral relations far from the frontline.

What Comes Next? Three Possible Scenarios

1. Trade De-escalation**

Both Delhi and Washington could negotiate tariff relief in exchange for a balanced reduction in Russian oil imports, possibly paired with diplomatic concessions on other fronts.

2. Further Tariff Intensification**

The US could choose to escalate tariffs even higher (up to 500% under proposed legislation), potentially deepening trade disruptions and complicating the economic prospects of both nations.

3. Diplomatic Re-Engagement**

High-level diplomacy — potentially involving climate, defence or multilateral cooperation — could be used to rebalance relations and create new frameworks for collaboration.

The next few months will be critical for shaping the future trajectory of US–India economic relations.

Conclusion: Geopolitics Meets Trade in a New Flashpoint

President Trump’s remarks linking India’s energy decisions to his own personal approval — and the backing of Senator Graham’s tariff claims — have brought trade policy to the forefront of global geopolitics. Whether this episode will lead to improved cooperation or deepen economic rifts hinges on diplomatic dialogue, shared interests and the ability of both capitals to reconcile sovereign energy strategies with international pressure.

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Tags: #DonaldTrump #NarendraModi #TrumpOnModi #IndiaRussiaOil #USIndiaTariffs #OilDiplomacy #Geopolitics