US Tariffs Strain Relations with India, Trump Claims Delay in Apache Helicopter Deliveries
US President Donald Trump has acknowledged that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "not that happy" with him due to tariffs imposed by the US on India, particularly concerning India's purchases of Russian oil.
During his address at the annual House Republicans’ issues conference retreat in Washington on January 6, President Trump noted that despite these differences, he still maintains a positive personal relationship with the Indian leader.
“I have a very good relationship with him. He’s not that happy with me because they’re paying a lot of tariffs now… because of the oil. But they’ve reduced it very substantially from Russia,” Trump said.
Tariffs Linked to Russian Oil
Trump explained that the US has implemented tariffs as high as 50% on Indian goods, with 25% specifically associated with India's oil purchases from Russia, as part of an effort to reduce energy trade with Moscow.
He mentioned that India has decreased its oil imports from Russia, although he did not provide specific figures to support this claim.
Claim on Apache Helicopter Delays
In the same speech, Trump addressed issues related to defense procurement, stating that India has been awaiting the delivery of Apache attack helicopters for several years.
“India told me they’ve been waiting for five years for the Apaches. We’re changing it… India ordered 68 Apaches,” he said.
These comments arise amid ongoing discussions between India and the US on defense deliveries, trade imbalances, and strategic collaboration, especially given the current geopolitical tensions and recent military events in South Asia.
Diplomatic Undertones
Although Trump's remarks were informal, they underscore the challenges tariffs have introduced into India-US economic relations, even as both nations continue to deepen cooperation in defense, technology, and the Indo-Pacific region.
New Delhi has yet to officially respond to Trump's comments about tariffs or helicopter deliveries.
