Trump Says PM Modi Approached Him on Apache Deal, Flags Tariffs and Trade Concerns

US President Donald Trump has once again brought India into the spotlight while addressing domestic political audiences, claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally approached him to discuss long-pending defence deliveries and trade-related concerns. Speaking at the House GOP Member Retreat, Trump described his interaction with the Indian Prime Minister in informal terms, underlining what he called a strong personal rapport between the two leaders.

According to Trump, India had placed orders for Apache attack helicopters but faced significant delays in receiving them. Recounting the episode, he claimed that Prime Minister Modi directly raised the issue during a meeting, seeking clarity on the stalled defence deal. Trump suggested that the matter is now moving forward, although he did not provide specific timelines or details regarding delivery schedules.

Trump further stated that India had ordered 68 Apache helicopters and had been waiting for years, portraying the delay as an example of broader trade and defence frictions between the two countries. His remarks come amid renewed scrutiny of defence cooperation between Washington and New Delhi, which has expanded significantly over the past decade.

While emphasising his personal relationship with the Indian Prime Minister, Trump also acknowledged tensions over trade policies. He claimed that Modi was dissatisfied with the tariffs imposed by the United States, particularly those affecting Indian exports. Trump attributed the tariff measures to India’s energy trade decisions, especially oil imports linked to Russia.

The US President asserted that India had reduced its oil purchases from Russia, describing the reduction as substantial. However, he maintained that tariffs remain a key pressure tool for Washington. Trump claimed that tariff revenues are benefiting the US economy, stating that large-scale investments are flowing into the country as a direct result of these trade measures.

Highlighting the broader impact of tariffs, Trump said the United States could see hundreds of billions of dollars entering the economy, portraying tariffs as a successful economic strategy. His remarks align with his long-standing position that aggressive trade policies protect American interests and encourage foreign governments to adjust their economic behaviour.

Earlier in the week, Trump reiterated that higher tariffs on Indian goods remain an option if New Delhi does not further align with US expectations on global energy and trade matters. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he warned that tariffs could be raised quickly if India failed to cooperate on what he described as critical issues.

At the same time, Trump struck a conciliatory tone toward Modi, describing him as a “very good man” and acknowledging his efforts to maintain constructive relations. Trump suggested that while trade disagreements persist, communication between the two leaders remains open.

Currently, the United States has imposed tariffs of up to 50 per cent on certain Indian goods, including a 25 per cent component specifically linked to India’s continued engagement in Russian oil trade. These measures are part of Washington’s broader strategy to discourage global energy transactions with Moscow.

Trump’s remarks underline the complex balance between strategic partnership and economic friction that defines India-US relations. While defence cooperation and diplomatic engagement continue to deepen, trade disputes and tariff threats remain persistent pressure points, shaping the evolving dynamics between the two democracies.