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US President Donald Trump praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what he described as a reduction in India’s purchases of Russian oil, linking the move to pressure from Washington.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday while returning to the White House from Florida, Trump referred to Modi as a “good man” and said New Delhi adjusted its approach after understanding the US position on continued oil imports from Russia.
“Modi’s a very good man. He knew I was not happy, and it was important to make me happy,” Trump said, adding that the United States could raise tariffs on India quickly if trade concerns persist.
Trump made the remarks while responding to a question initially addressed by US Senator Lindsey Graham, who was traveling with him on Air Force One.
Senator Graham said US tariff pressure had led India to significantly cut its purchases of Russian oil. He argued that the move has weakened Moscow’s ability to sustain its war effort in Ukraine and cited it as an example of tariffs being used as a foreign policy tool.
Graham also said a 25 per cent tariff imposed by the Trump administration on India over Russian crude purchases had produced visible results.