US President Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning to India, saying Washington could raise tariffs on Indian goods if New Delhi continues importing crude oil from Russia, even as he praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and described him as a “very good man”.

Speaking to reporters on board Air Force One on Sunday, Trump said the option of increasing tariffs remains open if India does not cooperate on the issue of Russian oil imports.

“We could raise tariffs on India if they don’t help on the Russian oil issue,” he said.

At the same time, Trump claimed that India has already reduced its purchases of Russian oil, suggesting that the message had been conveyed to New Delhi at the highest level.

“They wanted to make me happy, basically. 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,” Trump added.

Trade talks and diplomatic context

Trump’s remarks come at a sensitive moment, as Indian and US officials have launched a fresh round of negotiations aimed at resolving a long-standing trade dispute between the two countries.

The renewed talks follow earlier discussions that were disrupted after the US imposed steep tariffs on certain Indian imports, with duties reaching up to 50 per cent. Despite these tensions, both sides have continued engagement to prevent a broader trade fallout.

The warning also follows a recent phone conversation between Trump and Prime Minister Modi, during which the two leaders underlined the importance of sustaining momentum in bilateral trade relations.

In recent weeks, the US Embassy in India also highlighted Trump’s positive remarks about the Indian leader amid prolonged trade negotiations. In a social media post, Trump described India as “an amazing country” and referred to Modi as a close partner, calling him “a great friend”.

Oil imports under scrutiny

India has consistently defended its purchase of Russian oil, maintaining that energy imports are guided by domestic requirements and national energy security considerations.

However, the issue has gained renewed attention in Washington, especially after recent US military action in Venezuela brought global oil supplies back into geopolitical focus.

Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, estimated at over 300 billion barrels, but production has fallen sharply to around one million barrels per day due to sanctions and underinvestment. The shifting dynamics in global oil markets have added pressure on major energy-importing nations, including India.

As negotiations continue, Trump’s comments highlight the delicate balance between diplomatic engagement and economic pressure shaping India-US trade ties.

Venezuela’s interim leadership has warned that recent US military action against Caracas could set a dangerous precedent for the global order, a day after President Donald Trump claimed American forces captured leftist leader Nicolas Maduro and flew him out of the country.

The warning came even as interim President Delcy Rodriguez called for a “balanced and respectful” relationship with the United States following the attack and Maduro’s detention.

Trump warns of bigger price, keeps second strike option open

US President Donald Trump said Rodriguez could face consequences “probably bigger than Maduro” if she does not cooperate with Washington. He noted that while the US was prepared for a second wave of military action, it may not be necessary if the interim leadership complies.

Trump said elections would be held “at the right time” and reiterated that the US expects full access to Venezuela’s oil and natural resources. He also defended the decision to remove Maduro by force, saying regime change would be an improvement over the existing situation.

Wider intervention remarks raise concerns

During the interview, Trump suggested that American intervention was not limited to Venezuela. He said the US “absolutely” needs Greenland and claimed Cuba was close to collapse due to its dependence on subsidised Venezuelan oil.

He also issued sharp remarks about Colombia and Mexico, warning of potential action if they failed to “get their act together,” and suggested that another strike on Venezuela could follow if expectations were not met.

Venezuela calls for cooperation, warns of global threat

Despite the strong rhetoric from Washington, Rodriguez said Venezuela was open to cooperation. In a message posted on Telegram, she said the country prioritises a relationship with the US based on balance, respect and shared development.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez warned that US action against Venezuela poses a serious threat to international stability. He said if Venezuela could be targeted today, “tomorrow it could be against any state or any country.”

Calling on citizens to remain calm, he urged people to resume normal economic, labour and educational activities, warning against falling into fear or psychological pressure. Lopez also demanded the immediate release of Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores, asserting that Venezuela’s military leadership remains united in what it described as resistance to imperial aggression.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been captured by American forces and flown out of the country, following what he described as a “large-scale strike” against Venezuela.

The claim marks a dramatic escalation in tensions between Washington and Caracas and, if confirmed, would represent the most direct US military intervention in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama.

Venezuela demands proof of life

Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodriguez appeared on state television saying the government does not know the whereabouts of President Maduro and the first lady. She demanded immediate proof that both are alive.

“We do not know the whereabouts of President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores,” Rodriguez said, adding that Venezuela would hold the United States responsible for their safety.

Explosions reported across Caracas and nearby states

Hours before Trump’s announcement, multiple explosions were heard in and around Caracas at around 2 am local time on Saturday. Videos circulating on social media showed several buildings on fire, with thick smoke rising over parts of the capital.

A power outage was also reported in southern Caracas, close to a major military base. According to an official statement, attacks were also reported in the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira.

Venezuela rejects US military action

The Venezuelan government condemned what it described as “military aggression” by the United States and declared a national emergency.

In a statement, the government said it “rejects, repudiates, and denounces before the international community the extremely serious military aggression” carried out against Venezuelan territory and its people.

US involvement confirmed by officials

Media reports cited unnamed US officials confirming that American forces were behind the strikes on Caracas. Trump later said the operation was successful but did not provide further details on the location or condition of Maduro and his wife.

For weeks, Trump had publicly threatened ground strikes against what he described as drug cartels operating in Venezuela. He had also ordered a major naval and aerial deployment in the Caribbean, including the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford and several warships.

Background of rising tensions

Since September, US forces have carried out repeated strikes on boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean, targeting vessels Washington says are linked to drug smuggling. More than 100 people have reportedly been killed in these operations. US authorities have also seized two oil tankers at sea as part of an oil blockade on Venezuela.

Trump has repeatedly accused Maduro of leading a drug cartel and has warned that his “days are numbered”. The Venezuelan leader has denied the allegations, saying the US is attempting to overthrow his government because the country holds the world’s largest known oil reserves.