‘Modi is a good man…’: Trump says THIS on India’s Russian oil purchase, tariffs after strike on Venezuela

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (Jan 4) claimed that India has substantially reduced its oil purchases from Russia after he imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods. Trump also warned that the US can raise tariffs on India “very quickly.” This comes after American forces launched strikes in Venezuela’s Caracas and captured their leader, Nicolas Maduro.

“We could raise tariffs on India if they don’t help on the Russian oil issue.” Trump said, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One. Trump further claimed, “They wanted to make me happy. Basically, Modi is a very good man. He knew I was not happy, and it was important to make me happy. We do trade, and we can raise tariffs on them very quickly.”

Relations between India and the US soured after Trump doubled tariffs on the Asian country, citing its oil imports from Russia, which the US President has claimed is helping to fund Russia’s war in Ukraine. Since then, several rounds of negotiations have happened as part of an effort to secure a trade deal between the two countries.

US Senator Lindsey Graham said that the tariffs imposed by Trump on India are the “chief reason” that New Delhi has reduced its purchase of Russian oil substantially.

Graham also claimed that Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra spoke to him last month over India buying less Russian oil. He added that Kwatra asked him to tell Trump to relive the 25 per cent tariffs which was imposed as a punishment for purchasing Russian oil.

“I was at the Indian Ambassador's house a month ago, and all he wanted to talk about was how India is buying less Russian oil. And he asked me to tell the President to relieve the 25 per cent tariff,” Graham told reporters alongside Trump.