"Very Good Man": Trump Praises PM Modi But Issues Tariff Warning To India Over Russian Oil
US President Donald Trump has once again drawn attention to India-US trade relations by praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi while also warning of possible higher tariffs on Indian imports.
The warning is linked to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, an issue that has been under close watch in Washington.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump said the United States could raise tariffs on India if it feels New Delhi is not cooperating on the Russian oil issue.
At the same time, he praised PM Modi, calling him a “very good man” and a “good guy.” Trump claimed that the Indian leadership understood his concerns and had tried to respond to them.
According to Trump, India has already reduced its oil imports from Russia, suggesting that this was done partly to ease US concerns. He said trade relations give Washington the ability to act quickly if it chooses to impose tariffs, adding that the issue remains under active consideration.
These remarks come at a sensitive time, as India and the US have restarted trade negotiations to resolve long-standing differences.
According to reports, a fresh round of talks began earlier this year after previous discussions were disrupted by steep US tariffs on Indian goods, some of which reportedly went up to 50 per cent.
Trump’s comments also follow a recent telephone conversation between him and PM Modi, during which both leaders emphasised the importance of keeping bilateral trade ties strong despite ongoing disagreements.
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Around the same time, the US Embassy in India shared Trump’s praise for Modi on social media, describing India as an “amazing country” and an important strategic partner for the US, especially in the Indo-Pacific region.
India has consistently defended its oil purchases from Russia, saying they are crucial for domestic energy security, especially amid global supply disruptions and rising prices.
Meanwhile, the broader geopolitical focus on oil has intensified following recent US actions in Venezuela, bringing global energy politics back into sharp focus.
