Trump Calls India-US Ties “Special” Amid Tariff Row, Criticizes Russian Oil Purchases

Amid escalating tensions between Washington and Delhi over tariffs and India’s purchase of Russian oil, US President Donald Trump sought to downplay concerns by calling the relationship between the two countries “special.” Trump acknowledged differences but insisted, “There’s nothing to worry about. We just have moments on occasion,” during a press meet at the Oval Office on Friday, September 5, 2025.

Trump emphasized his personal rapport with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating, “I’ll always be friends with Modi… He’s a great Prime Minister. He’s great. But I just don’t like what he’s doing at this particular moment.” Despite his criticism of India’s current economic stance, Trump reaffirmed the deep bilateral ties and said he would always be ready to reset relations.

The current strain arises from Washington’s decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian goods following Delhi’s refusal to halt purchases of Russian oil. Trump voiced his disappointment stating, “I’ve been very disappointed that India would be buying so much oil from Russia, and I let them know that. We put a very big tariff on India, 50 percent tariff, a very high tariff.” In response, Indian officials, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, have defended these energy purchases on economic grounds.

On his Truth Social account, Trump had posted a photo of Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, commenting, “Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest, China. May they have a long and prosperous future together!” This social media post added fuel to speculation about the future trajectory of India-US relations.

Meanwhile, senior members of Trump’s trade and economic team have echoed his disappointment. Peter Navarro, Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing, called India’s purchases of Russian oil a way to “profit” that ultimately helps fund the war in Ukraine, stating, “India buys Russian oil purely to profit/revenues feed Russia war machine.” National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett expressed hope that diplomacy would soon yield a positive development, while US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick warned India could face prolonged tariffs unless its policy realigns with Washington’s interests.

Despite public disagreements, leaders on both sides have pointed to the enduring and strategic partnership between India and the United States. Prime Minister Modi responded to Trump’s praise by stating he “deeply appreciates and fully reciprocates” the sentiments, expressing hope for a forward-looking partnership even as trade and strategic disputes cloud the immediate horizon.