United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday spoke at length about defence cooperation between India and the United States, claiming that India’s order for 68 Apache attack helicopters had been delayed by nearly five years. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally raised the issue of the prolonged delivery timeline during a meeting with him, expressing concern over the wait.
Addressing the House GOP Member Retreat, Trump criticised what he described as long standing delays in supplying defence equipment, while presenting India US defence ties as an example of how such issues were being addressed.
Recalling his interaction with the Indian Prime Minister, Trump said India had been waiting for years for the helicopters and that the situation was now being changed. He added that Prime Minister Modi had requested a meeting with him to discuss the matter.
Trump reiterated that he shared a good personal relationship with Prime Minister Modi, but noted that tensions had emerged over tariffs imposed on India. He said Modi was unhappy about the high duties, which he linked to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. According to Trump, those tariffs have since been reduced substantially, while he again pointed to India’s energy trade with Russia as the source of friction.
The tariffs, which Trump said amounted to 50%, were imposed due to India’s large scale imports of Russian crude oil. The United States has argued that such purchases indirectly support Russia’s economy at a time when it is engaged in the conflict with Ukraine.
Trump’s remarks came shortly after he warned that Washington could further increase tariffs on Indian goods if New Delhi failed to address American concerns over Russian oil imports. He suggested that India was aware of his displeasure and had taken steps to ease tensions. Describing Prime Minister Modi as a good man, Trump said it was important for both sides to maintain a positive relationship.
Defending his tariff policy, Trump claimed that the United States was benefiting financially from the measures and asserted that they were an effective tool in shaping trade behaviour. He has repeatedly linked tariff pressure on India to its energy ties with Moscow and has accused New Delhi of strengthening Russia by purchasing discounted oil.
At the same time,, holding discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, although no concrete breakthrough has been announced.
India has previously rejected Trump’s claim that Prime Minister Modi assured him that India would stop buying Russian oil. New Delhi clarified that no such assurance or conversation had taken place, reiterating that its energy decisions are guided by national interest.
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