WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, calling him a “good man” and saying India has reduced its purchases of Russian oil after pressure from the United States.
“Modi’s a very good man,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One while returning to the White House from West Palm Beach, Florida. “He’s a good guy.”
Trump said New Delhi adjusted its energy policy after recognizing Washington’s displeasure over continued Russian oil imports. “He knew I was not happy and it was important to make me happy,” Trump said, referring to Modi.
“They wanted to make me happy, basically,” Trump added. “Modi’s a very good man. Yes, he’s a good guy. He knew I was not happy, and it was important to make me happy. They do trade, and we can raise tariffs on that very quickly.”
The remarks came as Trump responded to a question initially being addressed by Senator Lindsey Graham, who was traveling with him. Graham said U.S. tariff pressure has already pushed India to significantly reduce its purchases of Russian oil, weakening Moscow’s ability to fund its war in Ukraine and demonstrating the effectiveness of tariffs as a foreign policy tool.
Graham credited a 25 percent tariff imposed by the Trump administration on India over its purchase of Russian crude, saying the measure had produced tangible results.
“I really do believe what he did with India is the chief reason India is now buying substantially less Russian oil,” Graham said.
Trump warned that tariff pressure could be increased swiftly if countries reverse course. “We can raise tariffs on them very quickly,” he said, adding that trade leverage remains firmly in U.S. hands.
Graham said legislation he supports would give the president broad authority to impose tariffs on countries that continue buying discounted Russian energy. The bill, backed by 85 co-sponsors, would allow tariffs ranging from zero to 500 percent at the president’s discretion.
“If you’re buying cheap Russian oil keeping Putin’s war machine going, we’re trying to give the president the ability to make that a hard choice,” Graham said.
He added that the approach has already shown results. “I was at the Indian ambassador’s house about a month ago, and all he wanted to talk about is how they’re buying less Russian oil,” Graham claimed. “This stuff works.”
Trump contrasted his approach with the Biden administration’s Ukraine policy, accusing it of spending heavily without returns. “Biden gave $350 billion,” Trump said. “Now we get paid.” (Source: IANS)
