PM Modi ‘Not Happy With Me’: Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi is upset with recent US tariff moves linked to Russian oil, even while stressing that the personal equation between both leaders stays positive. The comments again put India’s energy choices and trade ties with Washington under scrutiny, especially for younger Indians tracking how foreign policy connects with prices and jobs.

Trump said he and the Indian leader still share friendly terms, but suggested New Delhi is bearing the cost of policy differences on crude imports. "I have a very good relationship with PM Modi, but he is not happy with me as India is paying high tariffs due to its purchase of Russian oil," Donald Trump said.

US tariffs, Indian trade talks, and Russian oil

Trump’s remarks followed a fresh warning that tariffs on Indian exports could climb further if Washington’s worries over Russian oil imports remain unresolved. Trump indicated that the US has room to act fast on trade duties, hinting that pressure on India may not ease soon without concrete changes in energy policy.

Earlier, Trump described how New Delhi reacted to US unease about those imports, praising Modi personally while keeping his tough line on tariffs. "They wanted to make me happy, basically. PM Modi's a very good man. He's a good guy. He knew I was not happy. It was important to make me happy," Donald Trump said earlier, adding, "They do trade, and we can raise tariffs on them very quickly."

India’s energy stand and Russian oil strategy

India has repeatedly defended its decision to keep buying Russian oil, saying energy policy is driven by national interest. Officials argue that stable and affordable fuel remains crucial for India’s growth, and that citizens need access to cheaper crude, especially when global prices stay volatile after the Ukraine conflict.

New Delhi has also underlined that it will keep working with all global partners while protecting strategic and economic priorities. That position includes continuing talks with Washington on a possible trade agreement. However, those negotiations have moved unevenly, as the US seeks a smaller trade deficit and India defends its space on energy choices.

The US raised import duties on a range of Indian products last year, doubling some tariffs to 50 per cent, and pointed directly to large Russian crude purchases as a reason. At the same time, India turned into the biggest buyer of discounted Russian seaborne oil after the Ukraine war began in 2022, drawing criticism from Washington, which wants to limit Moscow’s energy income.

Oil has again become central to global politics beyond the India-US debate over Russian oil. A recent US strike on Venezuela pushed attention back to energy security and fragile supply chains. Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves at more than 300 billion barrels, about 17 per cent of global reserves, according to OPEC, but output has plunged to nearly 1 million barrels daily after years of sanctions and weak investment.