Washington, Jan 5 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump has commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi, referring to him as a 'good man' for 'reducing' the acquisition of Russian oil.

"Modi's a very good man," Trump stated to reporters aboard Air Force One while returning to the White House from West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday (local time).

"He's a good guy," he added when answering a question.

Trump asserted that New Delhi modified its stance after recognizing Washington's discontent with ongoing Russian energy transactions. "He knew I was not happy, and it was crucial to make me happy," Trump remarked, referring to PM Modi.

"They (Indians) aimed to please me, fundamentally. (PM) Modi's a very good man. Yes, he's a good guy. He recognized I was not happy, and it was significant to make me happy. They engage in trade, and we can escalate tariffs on that promptly," Trump stated in response to a question initially addressed by Senator Lindsey Graham, who accompanied him on Air Force One.

Graham maintained that US tariff pressure has effectively compelled India to significantly lower its imports of Russian oil, suggesting that this action is undermining Moscow's capacity to support its military operations in Ukraine and highlighting the efficiency of tariffs as a tool of foreign policy.

In discussions with reporters, Graham credited Trump's 25 percent tariff on India for purchasing Russian crude, asserting that this measure has yielded noticeable results.

"I genuinely believe that Trump's actions regarding India are the primary reason India is now acquiring significantly less Russian oil," he asserted.

The President cautioned that tariff pressure could be swiftly intensified if nations alter their positions. "We can raise tariffs on them very quickly," Trump stated, emphasizing that trade leverage remains firmly within US control.

Graham mentioned that his proposed legislation would grant the President extensive authority to impose tariffs on countries that persist in purchasing discounted Russian energy.

"If you're purchasing cheap Russian oil that sustains Putin's military operations, we’re striving to empower the President to make that a challenging decision," Graham said.

He indicated that the bill, supported by 85 co-sponsors, would allow tariffs ranging from zero to 500 percent, entirely at the President's discretion, highlighting that this strategy has already demonstrated effectiveness.

"I was at the Indian ambassador's residence about a month ago, and all he wanted to discuss was how they are buying less Russian oil," Graham claimed.

"This strategy works," Graham added.

Trump contrasted his strategy with that of the Biden administration, which he accused of allocating substantial resources to Ukraine. "Biden gave $350 billion," Trump stated. "Now we are receiving payments."