'Sir, may I see you please,' PM Modi said: Trump's latest in his India remarks

US President Donald Trump claimed that Narendra Modi personally approached him over long-pending Apache helicopter deliveries and trade issues, while acknowledging a strong personal rapport.

PM Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump said Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally approached him over India’s pending defence purchases and trade issues, including the long-delayed delivery of Apache helicopters called him ‘Sir’.

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.”

TRUMP ON APACHE HELICOPTERS DEAL

Addressing defence ties alongside trade, US President Donald Trump referred to delays in India’s military procurements, particularly Apache helicopters. He said India had been waiting for the helicopters for years and indicated that the issue was now moving forward. “We’re changing it. India ordered 68 Apaches,” Trump said, without sharing further specifics.