US, Dec 05 : US President Donald Trump on Sunday said India reduced its purchases of Russian oil after recognising Washington’s concerns, while praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “good man” and a “good guy”.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump suggested New Delhi adjusted its energy trade policy after realising the White House was unhappy with India’s continued oil imports from Russia.
“They wanted to make me happy, basically. Modi’s a very good man. Yes, he’s a good guy. He knew I was not happy, and it was important to make me happy,” Trump said. He added that the United States could raise tariffs “very quickly” if trade practices it disapproved of continued.
The remarks were also framed as a warning, with Trump making clear that energy imports are tied to broader trade consequences, including tariffs.
Tariffs and India–Russia oil trade
The comments come amid ongoing trade negotiations between India and the United States, with energy ties emerging as a sensitive issue.
The US has already imposed punitive tariffs of up to 50 per cent on several Indian exports, including textiles, chemicals and food products such as shrimp, highlighting Washington’s willingness to use trade measures to influence policy decisions.
US Senator Lindsey Graham, who was travelling with Trump, said tariff pressure had already led India to significantly cut back on Russian crude purchases. He argued that this has weakened Moscow’s ability to finance its war in Ukraine.
Graham credited the 25 per cent tariff imposed by the Trump administration on India’s purchase of Russian oil for producing tangible results. “I really do believe what he did with India is the chief reason India is now buying substantially less Russian oil,” he said.
What Washington may do next
Graham said proposed legislation would grant the US President sweeping powers to impose tariffs on countries that continue purchasing discounted Russian energy.
“If you’re buying cheap Russian oil keeping Putin’s war machine going, we’re trying to give the President the ability to make that a hard choice,” he said.
The bill, which has 85 co-sponsors, would allow tariffs ranging from zero to 500 per cent, depending on presidential discretion.
Recalling a recent meeting with Indian officials, Graham said India’s reduced oil imports from Russia were already a key point of discussion. “I was at the Indian ambassador’s house about a month ago, and all he wanted to talk about is how they’re buying less Russian oil… This works,” he claimed.
Trump also criticised the Biden administration’s Ukraine policy, accusing it of spending heavily without securing returns. “Now we get paid,” he said.
The US President further hinted at expanding tariff action beyond energy, alleging that India was dumping rice in the US market — a signal that trade pressure could widen even as negotiations continue.