“Sir, please let me see you,” PM Modi pleaded. Trump’s most recent comments toward India

US President Donald Trump claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi contacted him “Sir” and personally addressed him regarding India’s outstanding defense acquisitions and trade concerns, notably the protracted delivery of Apache helicopters.

Speaking at the House GOP Member Retreat, Trump said, “”India ordered Apache helicopters and didn’t get them for 5 years. Prime Minister Modi came to see me. Sir, may I see you please? Yes!” He added that he shared a strong rapport with the Indian leader, saying, “I have a very good relationship with him.”

Trump, however, claimed that PM Modi was unhappy with him over tariffs. “He’s not that happy with me because, you know, they’re paying a lot of tariffs now. Because they’re not doing the oil,” Trump said. He added that India had significantly reduced oil purchases from Russia, stating, “But they are, they’ve reduced it very substantially, as you know, from Russia.”

Highlighting the impact of tariffs on the US economy, Trump said, “We’re getting rich because of tariffs, by the way. Hope everyone understands.” He further claimed, “I have to report we’re gonna have over 650 billion dollars poured into our country or coming in shortly because of tariffs.”

US President Donald Trump mentioned delays in India’s military purchases, including Apache helicopters, while discussing defense ties with trade. India had been waiting for the helicopters for years, he said, and the matter was now progressing. “We’re altering it. Trump stated, “India ordered 68 Apaches,” but he did not provide any other details.

Speaking to reporters on Air Force One earlier this week, Trump reaffirmed that greater taxes on India are still an option.

“ we Could raise tarrifs if they don’t help on the Russian oil issue,” Trump said on Sunday.

At the same time, he struck a conciliatory tone towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “PM Modi’s a very good man. He’s a good guy. He knew I was not happy. It was important to make me happy. They do trade, and we can raise tariffs on them very quickly,” he said.

Trump has levied a 50% tariff on Indian imports, which includes a 25% tax that is directly related to India’s ongoing purchases of Russian oil. The actions are a part of Washington’s larger pressure effort to deter nations from continuing to trade energy with Moscow.