US President Donald Trump showered praise on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a "very good man," only to pivot sharply with a threat of new tariffs unless India curbs its Russian oil imports. The comments, made aboard Air Force One, underscore the complex dance between personal rapport and economic pressure defining US-India ties under Trump's administration.

In a candid exchange with reporters, Trump described Modi as "a good guy" who grasped his frustration over India's purchases of discounted Russian crude. "PM Modi knew I was not happy," Trump stated, claiming India had already slashed some imports "to make me happy." He quickly added a warning: the US stands ready to "raise tariffs on India very quickly" if cooperation falters on the Russian oil front. Such duties, Trump noted, could prove "very bad" for New Delhi's economy.

The remarks build on existing US tariffs as high as 50% on select Indian goods, explicitly linked to India's role as a top buyer of Russian energy amid the Ukraine conflict. Trump has long criticized the trade setup as lopsided, with India imposing steep duties on American products. Negotiations for a broader deal have dragged on, hampered by disputes over market access and digital taxes. Trump's approach ties relief to geopolitical alignment, particularly pressuring nations to shun Russian exports.

India maintains that Russian oil ensures affordable energy for its 1.4 billion people, rejecting calls to fully halt imports while noting Europe's own purchases. Officials highlight diversification efforts without admitting concessions. This comes as New Delhi deepens defense and tech ties with Washington through the Quad alliance, yet preserves longstanding Moscow links forged during the Cold War.

Trump's mix of compliments and threats highlights his deal-making style: leveraging personal chemistry with Modi—built on summits and joint events—against America's trade hammer. India now navigates protecting exports worth billions, stabilizing fuel prices, and upholding strategic flexibility. Analysts see this as a test of resilience for the partnership, with potential tariff hikes risking inflation in India while slowing US goals to isolate Russia economically. Further talks could clarify if Modi's reported responsiveness yields tariff relief.