On January 6, 2026, in Washington, US President Donald Trump spoke at a House GOP retreat. He shared a story about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Trump said Modi came to him because of delays in getting Apache helicopters from the US. He also talked about tariffs on Indian goods. These tariffs are linked to India’s buying of cheap oil from Russia. Trump claimed the US has brought in over $650 billion from tariffs overall. For India, he said the tariff is 50% now, because of the Russian oil issue. He boasted that India has cut down on Russian oil to make him happy. But his words have upset many in India. Opposition leaders say it’s like mocking Modi and India. Supporters call it just Trump’s way of talking. This comes at a time when India and the US have strong defense ties, but trade problems keep coming up.
Trump’s story went like this: He said India ordered 68 Apache helicopters, but they waited five years. Modi came to him and said, “Sir, may I see you please?” Trump claimed he fixed it fast. But facts show India ordered only 28 helicopters, not 68. All were delivered by December 2025. There were delays, but not as bad as Trump said. This mistake has made people question his claims. In India, the Congress party called it “brazen bullying” and “mocking India.” They say it shows Modi’s foreign policy is weak. On the other side, some say it’s typical Trump talk, and ties are still good.
This event shows the ups and downs in India-US relations. Defense deals are strong, but trade fights over tariffs and oil are hurting. India buys cheap Russian oil to save money, but the US does not like it because of the Ukraine war. Trump has warned more tariffs could come quick if India does not stop. Let’s look deeper into what happened, the background, and reactions.
What Trump Said at the GOP Retreat
At the retreat, Trump was talking to Republican leaders. He wanted to show how his tariffs work. He brought up India as an example. “India ordered 68 Apaches and didn’t get them for 5 years,” he said. “Prime Minister Modi came to see me and said, ‘Sir, may I see you please?’ It takes too long to get them.” Trump claimed he sped things up. He linked this to tariffs. He said Modi knew he was not happy about India buying Russian oil. “Modi is a very good guy. He knew I was unhappy and it was important to make me happy,” Trump added. He said India has cut oil buys from Russia a lot because of US pressure.
Trump also praised his tariff policy. He said it has brought $650 billion to the US. For India, tariffs went up to 50% in 2025. Half of that is because of Russian oil. He warned, “We can raise tariffs on them very quickly.” This was not the first time. Trump has said similar things before, like on Air Force One a day earlier. Senator Lindsey Graham, a Trump friend, was there. He said India asked to lower tariffs because they cut Russian oil.
The story spread fast on social media and news. In India, it became big news. People talked about if Trump was right on the facts. Many said no, because the helicopter numbers were wrong. This made the backlash stronger.
Background on US-India Trade Tensions and Tariffs
India and the US have been friends for years. But trade has been a problem, especially under Trump. In his first term, he called India a “tariff king.” Now in his second term, it’s worse. In 2025, he put 25% tariffs on Indian goods. Then added another 25% because of Russian oil. Now it’s 50%, one of the highest.
Why Russian oil? After Russia attacked Ukraine in 2022, the US and others put sanctions on Russia. They want to stop Russia making money from oil. But Russia sold cheap oil to India. India bought a lot to save money. Before 2022, Russia gave only 2% of India’s oil. By 2024, it was over 35%. India saved billions. But the US said this helps Russia’s war.
In 2025, US sanctions hit Russian oil firms. India cut buys. Imports fell in November 2025. Big firms like Reliance stopped Russian oil in January 2026. Trump claims it’s because of his tariffs. “They wanted to make me happy,” he said. But experts say sanctions and higher prices also played a part.
India’s exports to the US are still growing. In 2025, they hit records despite tariffs. India is looking at other markets, like Europe and Asia. New trade deals help. But tariffs hurt some sectors, like shrimp and rice. Modi has talked to Trump many times. They want a trade deal, but it’s stuck.
Russian President Putin has questioned why the US punishes India for buying oil. He said the US buys Russian nuclear fuel, so why not India oil? This shows how complex global trade is.
The Apache Helicopter Anecdote: Facts vs Claims
Trump’s story about Apaches got a lot of attention. He said India ordered 68, waited five years, and Modi begged to see him. But that’s not true. India signed for 22 Apaches for the Air Force in 2015. They came by 2020. Then six for the Army in 2020. Those were late, coming in 2025. Total 28, all delivered now.
Delays happened because of supply problems after Covid. Also, issues like Turkey not letting planes fly over. Modi did raise it with US leaders, including in 2025. But no “Sir, may I see you” like Trump said. Experts say Trump mixed up numbers, maybe with Chinook helicopters. India got 15 Chinooks, total 43, still not 68.
India is now making its own helicopters, like Prachand. It can fly high in places like Siachen. This is part of “Make in India.” Delays from US make India want less foreign dependence.
Trump’s wrong facts made Indians angry. It seemed like he was making fun of Modi.
Indian Backlash and Reactions
In India, opposition jumped on this. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, “The way Trump spoke about PM Modi is mocking and demeaning.” He said big events like “Howdy Modi” did not help. Now tariffs are high, and Trump threatens more. “India’s foreign policy is in tatters,” said another leader. They say Modi bends to strong leaders.
On X (formerly Twitter), people reacted. One user said, “Trump is bullying Modi.” Another, “India stands strong, tariffs don’t stop us.” Media called it “Trump’s theatrics.”
Supporters say it’s just talk. “Trump and Modi are friends,” one said. Government has not said much. But Ambassador Kwatra met US leaders to ask for lower tariffs.
Ex-US official Kurt Campbell said Trump’s way puts India in a hard spot. “PM Modi should not bend the knee,” he said. This shows even in US, some don’t like the pressure.
Impact on India-US Ties and Future
Defense ties are good. India buys US weapons, like Apaches. They work together on Quad against China. But tariffs hurt trust. Quad talks are quiet now because of this.
India is diversifying. More trade with others. Oil from US up 11%. But Russian oil is still 25%. India says it needs cheap energy for growth.
Trump’s style is “trade first.” He wants deals that help US. Modi wants fair trade. Talks continue, but threats make it hard.
In the end, this anecdote shows personal ties matter, but policy is key. India must protect its interests.
FAQs
What did Trump say about PM Modi?
Trump said Modi came to him over Apache delays, calling him “Sir.” He claimed Modi wanted to make him happy by cutting Russian oil. But numbers were wrong – 28 helicopters, not 68.
Why are there tariffs on Indian goods?
US put 50% tariffs because India buys Russian oil, which US says helps Russia’s war. Tariffs started in 2025. India cut buys, but Trump wants more.
Has India reduced Russian oil imports?
Yes, imports fell after US sanctions and tariffs. From 35% to lower. Reliance stopped in Jan 2026. But some still come.
What is the Apache deal?
India bought 28 Apaches from US. 22 for Air Force, 6 for Army. All delivered by 2025, despite delays. Cost over $3 billion.
How did India react?
Opposition called it mocking. Supporters say it’s bluster. Social media mixed.
Will tariffs go up more?
Trump said yes, if India does not stop Russian oil fully. Talks ongoing for deal.