Trump says PM Modi unhappy as India pays heavy tariffs
Trump says India waited five years for Apache helicopters, highlighting delays despite close defence ties and growing frustration.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is “not that happy with me,” attributing the strain to tariffs imposed by Washington. The remarks, delivered during Trump’s address at the House GOP Member Retreat, offered a glimpse into the evolving and sometimes uneasy dynamics between two leaders who have often spoken warmly of each other in public.
Speaking in his characteristic off-the-cuff style, Trump suggested that the tariffs had created personal as well as diplomatic friction. trade measures linked to its energy ties with Russia. The comment drew attention to how geopolitical tensions stemming from the Ukraine conflict continue to ripple through global relationships, even among strategic partners.
Trump went on to recount a personal anecdote about Modi, portraying the Indian leader as eager for engagement. Yes,” Trump said, reenacting the exchange with theatrical flair. The remark, delivered partly in jest, was met with laughter from the audience but also raised eyebrows among observers for its informal and personalized tone.
Despite the lighthearted delivery, the substance of Trump’s comments pointed to serious policy disagreements. India has defended its decision to buy Russian oil at discounted prices, arguing that energy security for its population of more than 1.4 billion people must remain a priority. New Delhi has consistently maintained that such purchases are driven by economic necessity rather than political alignment.
The U.S., however, has taken a tougher stance. Trump said Washington’s tariffs were intended to discourage countries from financing Russia’s war effort, even indirectly. While he did not specify whether additional measures were being considered, his comments suggested that India’s energy choices remain a point of contention.
At the same time, Trump stressed that his relationship with Modi remains strong. He described the Indian prime minister as “very smart” and “very tough,” repeating praise he has offered in the past. Supporters of Trump argue that such blunt public remarks are part of his negotiating style, designed to apply pressure while keeping personal channels open.
In India, reactions were mixed. Some analysts viewed Trump’s comments as an attempt to play to a domestic audience, using Modi’s name to underscore his hardline trade credentials. Others warned that public airing of differences could complicate a partnership that spans defense, technology, and regional security in the Indo-Pacific.
India and the United States have deepened cooperation in recent years through military exercises, defense deals, and strategic dialogues aimed at countering China’s growing influence. However, trade disputes and differing approaches to Russia have repeatedly tested the relationship.
Trump’s remarks underscored the delicate balance both sides are trying to maintain — managing disagreements without derailing broader cooperation. While tariffs and oil purchases may be sources of friction, officials on both sides continue to emphasize shared interests and long-term strategic alignment.
For now, Trump’s candid comments have added a human, if uneasy, dimension to U.S.–India ties, reminding audiences that diplomacy often unfolds as much through personality and perception as through policy.