US President Donald Trump has once again drawn attention to his interactions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming Modi personally approached him over delayed delivery of American-made Apache attack helicopters and addressed him respectfully while raising the issue.
Speaking at the House GOP Member Retreat on Tuesday, Trump said India had grown frustrated over the slow delivery of Apache helicopters ordered several years ago. Recounting the exchange, Trump said India ordered 68 Apaches and Modi came to meet him directly. Trump quoted the Prime Minister as saying, “Sir. May I see you, please?” while pressing for faster delivery timelines. Trump added that he shares a strong relationship with Modi.
Trump used the anecdote to highlight what he described as long-standing delays in US defence manufacturing. He said advanced systems such as Apache helicopters and F-35 fighter jets take far too long to reach American forces and foreign buyers. Addressing Republican lawmakers, Trump said his administration has pushed US defence contractors to accelerate production schedules and deliver equipment faster to allies and partners.
Despite highlighting personal rapport, Trump acknowledged strain in ties with New Delhi due to trade policy. He said Modi remains unhappy over tariffs imposed on Indian goods. Trump linked those tariffs to India’s large-scale imports of Russian oil, which Washington views as supporting Russia’s economy during the Ukraine conflict.
The tariffs, totaling 50 per cent, were imposed as part of US efforts to pressure countries maintaining strong energy trade with Moscow. Trump claimed India has since reduced tariff levels substantially, pointing to changes in oil purchasing patterns. He has made several public claims about India and Modi in recent months, some of which remain unverified.
Trump’s comments came a day after he warned that Washington could impose even higher tariffs on Indian exports if New Delhi fails to address US concerns over Russian oil imports. Defending the policy, Trump told the Republican gathering the tariffs have generated revenue for the United States while forcing trading partners to adjust their policies.
India has emerged as one of the largest buyers of US defence equipment over the past decade. Purchases include transport aircraft, helicopters, and surveillance platforms, reflecting an expanding strategic partnership between Washington and New Delhi. Apache attack helicopters form a key part of India’s army and air force modernisation plans, aimed at strengthening combat capability.
Trump framed the Apache delivery issue as a broader test of US defence readiness, tying diplomatic credibility to manufacturing speed and reliability.
