Trump Expresses Frustration Over India’s Russian Oil Purchases, But Emphasizes ‘Special Relationship’ With Modi

Washington, D.C., September 6, 2025 – Amid rising tensions between the United States and India over trade tariffs and India’s continued import of Russian oil, former U.S. President Donald Trump has sought to downplay fears of a long-term rift, emphasizing the “special relationship” between the two countries. Speaking from the Oval Office on Friday, Trump addressed growing concerns about deteriorating U.S.-India ties — widely seen as the most strained in over two decades. “I’ll always be friends with Modi. He’s a great Prime Minister — a fantastic leader,” Trump said. “But I just don’t like what he’s doing at this particular moment. India and the United States have a special relationship. There’s nothing to worry about. We just have moments on occasion.” Trump’s comments come on the heels of controversial trade decisions and strong criticism over India’s continued energy trade with Russia, despite U.S. calls for global isolation of the Kremlin amid the ongoing Ukraine war. “I’ve been very disappointed that India would be buying so much oil from Russia, and I let them know that,” Trump said. “We put a very big tariff on India — 50%, a very high tariff.” The former president's comments align with a recent post he made on his social media platform, Truth Social, where he expressed concern that “we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China.” The post included an old photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which reportedly resurfaced following a high-profile meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Tianjin, China. The summit was marked by visible camaraderie between the three leaders, sparking global headlines and fueling concerns in Washington. When asked whether he was open to resetting ties with New Delhi, Trump maintained an optimistic tone despite the friction. “They are going great,” he said, referring to trade talks. “Other countries are doing great. We’re doing great with all of them. We’re upset with the European Union because of what’s happening with not just Google, but with all of our big companies.” Members of Trump’s former administration have also chimed in on the situation, sharpening criticism of India’s trade and energy policies. Peter Navarro, former Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing, posted on X (formerly Twitter): “India buys Russian oil purely to profit. Revenues feed Russia’s war machine. Ukrainians and Russians die. U.S. taxpayers shell out more. India can’t handle truth — spins.” Similarly, Kevin Hassett, former Director of the National Economic Council, said the Trump trade team is “disappointed” in India’s continued purchases from Moscow. “I think the trade team and the president are disappointed that India continues to fund Russia’s Ukraine war,” Hassett told reporters. “Hopefully, it’s a diplomatic issue that will see a positive development soon.” Despite the harsh rhetoric, Trump's repeated praise of Prime Minister Modi and his assertion that the U.S.-India bond remains strong suggest that both nations may yet find a path to reconciliation. However, with ongoing trade disputes and geopolitical realignments, the road ahead for the U.S.-India partnership remains uncertain.

NEWS