Trump says PM Modi must ‘keep me happy’, issues warning to India over Russian oil

Washington (The Uttam Hindu): US President Donald Trump has once again taken a tough stance on India's purchase of Russian oil and trade policies. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump claimed that India was trying to "appease" him. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a good person, but also warned that keeping him happy is crucial in trade relations.

President Trump expressed his displeasure over the purchase of Russian oil, saying that PM Modi knew he was unhappy with it. Trump said, "He (Modi) is a very nice person, but it's important to keep me happy. They do business, and we can raise tariffs very quickly." It's worth noting that the US had initially imposed a 25 percent tariff and penalty on India for purchasing Russian oil, which was later increased to 50 percent. India, responding to this, clarified that the US and the European Union were unnecessarily targeting it over Russian oil.

The year 2025 has seen significant ups and downs in India-US relations. The year began on a positive note, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attending Trump's inauguration and PM Modi traveling to Washington in February for a bilateral meeting with Trump. However, differences over trade and tariffs deepened over time. Trump referred to India as a "high-tariff country" in a joint session of Parliament, while his trade advisor, Peter Navarro, even referred to India as the "King of Tariffs." Furthermore, the Trump administration has tightened H-1B visa and immigration rules, raising concerns among Indian professionals.

However, opposition to Trump's harsh tariff policy has also begun within the US. In December, US lawmakers Deborah Ross, Mark Veasey, and Raja Krishnamoorthi introduced a resolution in Congress to eliminate the 50 percent tariff imposed on India. These lawmakers believe that such an irresponsible tariff strategy will have adverse consequences and could undermine the vital strategic partnership between the two countries.