I have a very good relationship, PM Modi not happy with me over steep tariffs: Trump

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he shares a “very good relationship” with Prime Minister Narendra Modi but acknowledged that the Indian leader is unhappy with him over tariffs imposed by Washington on New Delhi, particularly linked to India’s purchases of Russian oil.

Speaking at the House GOP Member Retreat, Trump said Modi was displeased because India is now “paying a lot of tariffs”, though he claimed New Delhi has significantly reduced its oil imports from Russia.

“I have a very good relationship with him. He’s not



that happy with me because they’re paying a lot of tariffs now. But they have reduced it very substantially from Russia,” Trump said, recounting a meeting in which he claimed Modi had personally sought an audience with him.

Trump has imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, including a 25 per cent levy linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil.

The US President also touched upon defence ties, saying India had been waiting for Apache helicopters for several years. “We’re changing it. India ordered 68 Apaches,” he said.