Trump Says PM Modi Unhappy Over Tariffs, Seeks Faster Apache Helicopter Delivery
US President cites India’s long wait for Apache helicopters while highlighting defence production delays and trade tensions
Washington, Jan 7: US President Donald Trump has said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unhappy over trade tariffs imposed by Washington and has urged the United States to speed up the delivery of Apache attack helicopters ordered by India.
Addressing the House GOP Member Retreat on Tuesday, Trump spoke about delays in US defence manufacturing and foreign military sales, citing India’s prolonged wait for attack helicopters as an example of inefficiencies in the system.
“I had India coming to me, sir. I’ve been waiting five years; we’re changing it. We’re changing it,” Trump said while discussing defence procurement timelines.
Trump said India had placed a significant order for American-made helicopters and that the issue was raised personally by Prime Minister Modi during their meeting. “India ordered 68 Apaches, and Prime Minister Modi came to see me,” he recalled, adding that he shared a “very good relationship” with the Indian leader.
Trade tensions cloud defence cooperation
The US President also pointed to trade frictions as a source of strain in bilateral ties. “He’s not that happy with me because they’re paying a lot of tariffs now,” Trump said, referring to duties imposed during his administration. The US currently levies a 50 per cent tariff on certain imports from India.
Defending tariffs as part of his economic and national security strategy, Trump told Republican lawmakers that the measures had generated significant revenue and forced trading partners to renegotiate terms.
During his speech, Trump linked India’s experience to broader concerns over delays in US weapons production, noting that both American forces and partner nations were waiting too long for critical defence platforms.
“The F-35s, it takes too long to get them, the Apache helicopter,” he said, using India’s order to underscore the issue.
Trump said his administration was pressing US defence companies to accelerate deliveries to allies and partners. His remarks on India, though brief, highlighted the depth of defence cooperation as well as the tensions created by trade policies.
India remains one of the largest buyers of US defence equipment, with acquisitions over the past decade including transport aircraft, helicopters and surveillance systems. Apache attack helicopters are a key component of India’s Army and Air Force modernisation plans.
