US President Donald Trump has once again signalled that India could face higher trade tariffs if it does not align with Washington’s stance on Russian oil. Speaking on board Air Force One on Sunday (4th January), Trump suggested that India had taken steps earlier to “make him happy” but warned that tariffs could be raised quickly if expectations were not met.
“India wanted to make me happy. Modi is a very good guy, and he knew I was not happy. And it was important to make me happy. We can raise tariffs on them very quickly,” Trump was heard saying while addressing the media.
#WATCH | On India’s Russian oil imports, US President Donald J Trump says, "… 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. They do trade, and we can raise tariffs on them very… pic.twitter.com/OxOoj69sx3
— ANI (@ANI) January 5, 2026
Russian oil at the centre of the dispute
Trump’s remarks were clearly linked to India’s continued oil trade with Russia, something his administration has strongly opposed. According to Reuters, the US President said that tariffs on India could be increased if New Delhi does not cooperate on the issue of Russian oil purchases.
This is not the first time the Trump administration has raised concerns over the matter. In August 2025, the US doubled tariffs on Indian imports to 50 per cent, citing India’s oil trade with Russia as a key reason. Washington has repeatedly argued that Russia uses revenue from oil exports to fund its war in Ukraine.
Comments made amid Venezuela developments
Trump made his latest comments while briefing reporters on the US government’s next steps following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Oil was also a major factor in the recent US strikes on Venezuela, underlining how energy politics continues to shape Washington’s foreign policy decisions.
The renewed tariff warning also comes at a sensitive time, with India and the US engaged in ongoing trade negotiations. Any escalation could complicate talks that both sides have been trying to stabilise in recent months.
Dispute over Modi-Trump conversation
Trump’s comments revive an earlier controversy from October 2025, when he claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had “assured” him that India would stop buying Russian oil. “There will be no oil. He’s not buying oil,” Trump had said at the time, weeks after the 50 per cent tariffs were imposed.
India, however, firmly rejected this claim, stating that no such conversation had taken place between Trump and PM Modi. New Delhi reiterated that its energy decisions are based on market conditions and the needs of Indian consumers.
Despite the tensions, there was a brief softening in tone after the tariffs were imposed. Trump had said he would “always be friends” with Modi and spoke of a “special relationship” between India and the US. PM Modi also responded positively, saying he appreciated Trump’s remarks about bilateral ties.
However, Trump’s latest warning suggests that the Russian oil issue could once again strain diplomatic relations. Russia remains India’s largest oil supplier, and US officials have repeatedly accused India of “profiteering” by buying discounted Russian oil and reselling it.
