According to TRTworld.com, the US President rebuked a reporter who asserted that Trump had taken no action against Russia during his second term, stating, "How do you know there's no action? Would you say that, putting secondary sanctions on India, the largest purchaser outside of China, they're almost equal… would you say there was no action? That cost hundreds of billions of dollars to Russia." Trump, who has accused New Delhi of financially supporting Russia's war in Ukraine, has canceled his highly anticipated trip to India later this year, amid strained relations between India and the US.

The US President and his aides including trade adviser Peter Navarro and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have accused New Delhi of profiteering from its sharply increased purchases of Russian oil during the war in Ukraine. India has called the tariffs "unfair" and said it is continuing to engage in discussions with the US to address trade concerns. The US is also seeking enhanced access to India's agricultural and dairy markets. Despite multiple negotiation rounds for a trade accord, a deal remains elusive.

Modi, who has cosied up to China's Xi and Russia's Putin, has pledged to protect Indian farmers' interests, regardless of the cost. "I am fully aware that I may have to pay a very heavy price personally, but I am prepared for it. For the farmers of my country, for the fishermen of my country, for the dairy farmers of my country, India stands ready today," Modi said last month.

During a summit in China, in an image designed to convey solidarity, Putin and Modi were shown holding hands as they walked jovially towards Xi before the summit opened. The three men stood shoulder-to-shoulder, laughing and surrounded by interpreters. India has used the summit to mend ties with Beijing. Referring to the images of solidarity in Beijing between Modi, Xi, and Putin, White House trade adviser Navarro called it "a shame to see Modi getting in bed as the leader of the biggest democracy in the world, with the two biggest authoritarian dictators in the world."

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, India said it will cut taxes on hundreds of consumer goods ranging from air conditioners to small cars to bolster local consumption, as New Delhi moves to cushion its economy from the blow of steep US import tariffs.