President Trump Praises PM Modi While Warning Tariffs Could Be Raised Quickly

US President Donald Trump has spoken positively about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him as a ‘good man’ for reducing India’s purchases of Russian oil.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday local time, while returning to the White House from West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump praised the Indian leader during an exchange with journalists.

“Modi’s a very good man,” Trump said, adding that the Prime Minister had responded to Washington’s concerns over India’s continued imports of Russian energy.

According to Trump, New Delhi adjusted its stance after realising the US administration’s dissatisfaction. He said it was important for India to maintain good relations with Washington and suggested that trade considerations played a role in the decision.

“They (Indians) wanted to make me happy, basically. (PM) 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. They do trade, and we can raise tariffs on that very quickly,” he stated.

The US President made the remarks while answering a question that was initially directed at Senator Lindsey Graham, who was travelling with him.

Graham argued that US tariff measures have already prompted India to significantly cut back on Russian oil purchases, a development he said undermines Moscow’s capacity to finance its war in Ukraine and highlights the impact of tariffs as a diplomatic tool.

He attributed the shift to a 25 per cent tariff imposed by the Trump administration on India over its purchase of Russian crude, stating that the policy had delivered tangible outcomes.

“I really do believe what he did with India is the chief reason India is now buying substantially less Russian oil,” Graham asserted.

Warning of Escalating Tariff Pressure

Trump cautioned that tariff pressure could be intensified swiftly if countries change direction, emphasising that trade leverage remains firmly with the United States.

Graham also referred to proposed legislation that would grant the President broad authority to impose tariffs on nations continuing to buy 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 noted.

The Senator noted that the bill, supported by 85 co-sponsors, would allow tariffs ranging from zero to as high as 500 per cent, entirely at presidential discretion, and claimed the strategy was already proving effective.

Recalling a recent meeting, Graham said, “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 stuff works,” Graham further remarked.

Trump concluded by contrasting his policy with that of the Biden administration, which he accused of providing large financial support to Ukraine.

“Biden gave $350 billion,” Trump said. “Now we get paid.”