US President Donald Trump has said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unhappy with him over trade tariffs and has pressed Washington to speed up the delivery of Apache attack helicopters ordered by India.
Addressing the House GOP Member Retreat on Tuesday, Trump spoke about delays in US defence manufacturing and foreign military sales. He cited India’s long wait for attack helicopters as an example of why production timelines need to improve.
“I mean, I had India coming to me, sir. I’ve been waiting five years; we’re changing it. We’re changing it,” Trump said, as he discussed defence procurement delays.
Trump said India had placed a major order for American helicopters and that the issue was raised personally by Prime Minister Modi. Recalling the interaction, he said, “India ordered 68 Apaches, and Prime Minister Modi came to see me. Sir. May I see you please?” He added, “Yes, I have a very good relationship with him.”
Trade policy could affect defense cooperation
The US President also pointed to trade tensions as a source of discomfort in the relationship. “He (Modi) is not that happy with me because you know, they’re paying a lot of tariffs now,” Trump said, mentioning duties imposed during his administration. The US has levied a 50 per cent tariff on imports of goods from India.
Trump defended tariffs as a core part of his economic and national security strategy. He told Republican lawmakers that the measures had brought in large revenues and forced trading partners to negotiate on US terms.
During the over-an-hour-long speech, Trump linked India’s experience to wider concerns about delays in US weapons production. He argued that both American forces and partner countries were waiting too long for critical systems.
Trump said his administration was pushing US defence firms to accelerate deliveries to allies and partners. His remarks on India were brief but stood out, reflecting both the depth of defence ties and the strain caused by trade measures.
“The F-35s, it takes too long to get them, the Apache helicopter,” he said, using India’s order to underline his point.
India is among the largest buyers of US defence equipment, with purchases over the past decade ranging from transport aircraft to helicopters and surveillance platforms. Apache attack helicopters are central to India’s Army and Air Force modernisation plans.
Trump praises Modi claiming reduced oil imports from Russia
US President Donald Trump has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying India reduced its purchases of Russian oil after understanding Washington’s concerns.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump described Modi as a “good man” and a “good guy”. He suggested New Delhi adjusted its policy after realising the White House was unhappy with India’s continued energy trade with Russia.
“They (Indians) wanted to make me happy, basically. (PM) 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,” Trump said.
How tariffs entered the India–Russia oil issue
The United States has already imposed punitive tariffs of up to 50 per cent on a range of Indian exports. These include textiles, chemicals and food products such as shrimp, underscoring Washington’s willingness to use trade pressure to influence policy choices.
US Senator Lindsey Graham, who was travelling with the President, said tariff pressure had already pushed India to buy significantly less Russian crude.
Graham argued that the move weakens Moscow’s ability to fund its war in Ukraine and shows how tariffs can influence foreign policy decisions.
He credited the 25 per cent tariff imposed by the Trump administration on India’s purchase of Russian oil for producing visible results.
“I really do believe what he did with India is the chief reason India is now buying substantially less Russian oil,” he said.
