WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — President Donald Trump has praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a “good man” for reducing India’s purchases of Russian oil. Trump said the move followed strong U.S. pressure and showed how tariffs can shape foreign policy.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Jan. 4 while returning to the White House from West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump said Modi acted after realizing Washington’s displeasure over India’s continued energy trade with Moscow.
“Modi’s a very good man,” Trump said. “He’s a good guy.”
Trump claimed India adjusted its oil policy to maintain strong ties with the United States. He said Modi understood that Trump was unhappy with India’s reliance on discounted Russian crude.
“He knew I was not happy, and it was important to make me happy,” Trump said, referring to the Indian leader.
Trump warned that the United States holds strong leverage through trade. He said Washington could increase tariffs quickly if countries ignore U.S. concerns.
“They do trade, and we can raise tariffs on that very quickly,” Trump said.
The remarks came as Trump traveled with Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who has backed a tougher line against countries that continue to buy Russian energy.
Graham said U.S. tariff pressure has already produced results. He argued that India has significantly reduced its purchases of Russian oil due to the threat of economic penalties.
“I really do believe what he did with India is the chief reason India is now buying substantially less Russian oil,” Graham said.
Graham credited a 25% tariff imposed by Trump on Indian goods linked to Russian crude purchases. He said the measure sent a clear message to New Delhi. According to Graham, the reduction in oil purchases weakens Russia’s ability to fund its war in Ukraine. He described tariffs as an effective foreign policy tool that delivers results without direct military action.
“This stuff works,” Graham said.
Graham also claimed that Indian officials have acknowledged the shift. He said he recently spoke with diplomats who focused on India’s reduced reliance on Russian energy.
“I was at the Indian ambassador’s house about a month ago, and all he wanted to talk about was how they’re buying less Russian oil,” Graham said.
Graham said he is backing new legislation that would give the president broad authority to impose tariffs on countries that keep buying discounted Russian oil and gas. The bill has support from 85 co-sponsors, according to Graham. It would allow the president to set tariffs anywhere from zero to 500%, based on national interest.
“If you’re buying cheap Russian oil and keeping Putin’s war machine going, we’re trying to give the president the ability to make that a hard choice,” Graham said.
Trump echoed the warning. He said the United States would not hesitate to increase tariffs if countries reverse course.
“We can raise tariffs on them very quickly,” Trump said. He added that trade power remains firmly in U.S. hands.
Trump also used the moment to criticize the Biden administration’s Ukraine policy. He accused former President Joe Biden of spending heavily without securing returns for the United States.
“Biden gave $350 billion,” Trump said. “Now we get paid.”
Trump framed his approach as tougher and more transactional. He said his strategy forces countries to reconsider choices that benefit Russia while harming U.S. interests. The comments highlight Trump’s broader push to use tariffs and trade penalties as tools to influence global behavior. They also reflect growing pressure on nations that continue economic ties with Moscow amid the ongoing Ukraine war.
India has been one of the largest buyers of discounted Russian oil since the Ukraine conflict began. The purchases helped India manage energy costs while Russia sought new markets. U.S. officials have criticized the trade, saying it undercuts efforts to isolate Moscow. Trump and Graham argue that recent reductions show that pressure can work.
