US President Donald Trump acknowledged rising tensions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, saying the Indian leader is dissatisfied with Washington over steep tariffs imposed on Indian goods linked to New Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil.
Speaking at the House GOP Member Retreat, Trump described his relationship with Modi as “very good” but admitted the 50 percent tariff—among the highest imposed by his administration—has created strain. The levy, which took effect in August 2025, includes a 25 percent reciprocal tariff and an additional 25 percent penalty tied specifically to India’s energy trade with Moscow.
“Prime Minister Modi came to see me, ‘Sir, may I see you please’. Yes. I have a very good relationship with him. He’s not that happy with me because you know they’re paying a lot of tariffs now,” Trump said. He claimed India has since reduced its Russian oil imports “very substantially” following the tariff pressure.
India’s crude imports from Russia have declined sharply in recent months, dropping to approximately 1.2 million barrels per day in December 2025—the lowest level in three years and down from 1.84 million barrels per day in November. The reduction followed US sanctions on Russian producers Rosneft and Lukoil, which took effect in November.
Helicopter Delays Surface
Trump also raised concerns about delays in delivering Apache attack helicopters to India, saying New Delhi had been waiting five years for the aircraft. “India ordered 68 Apaches,” he said, adding, “We’re changing it”.
The Indian Army received its first batch of three Apache helicopters in July 2025, more than a year behind the original delivery schedule. The final three helicopters arrived in December, completing a $600 million procurement deal signed in 2020.
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