US Senator Lindsey Graham Discusses India's Russian Oil Imports Amid Tariff Pressure

Senator Graham's Remarks on India's Oil Purchases

On Sunday, Senator Lindsey Graham from the United States shared insights from a private discussion with the Indian ambassador, who indicated that India is reducing its imports of Russian oil. The ambassador urged Graham to ask President Donald Trump to ease tariffs associated with these imports.

These tariffs were implemented as part of Trump's strategy to pressure nations buying discounted oil from Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

While speaking in front of Trump, Graham informed the media that countries purchasing Russian oil should face pressure to help resolve the Ukraine crisis.

“During my visit to the Indian ambassador’s residence about a month ago, he expressed concern about their decreasing Russian oil purchases,” Graham stated. “‘Could you ask the president to lift the tariff?’ This approach is effective,” he added.

Graham further explained, “I hope we can advance the tariff bill, which ranges from 0 to 500. The president determines the tariff rate. If nations continue to buy cheap Russian oil, supporting Putin's military efforts, we aim to provide the president with the authority to impose significant tariffs.”

The Republican senator expressed his belief that Trump's actions regarding India are a key factor in the country's notable reduction in Russian oil imports.

Without a trade agreement with the United States, Indian products are currently subjected to a total tariff rate of 50%. This includes a 25% reciprocal duty imposed on August 7, followed by an additional 25% punitive tariff on August 27.

Trump has consistently claimed that India's oil purchases are financing Russia's military actions in Ukraine.

In response to Graham's statements, Trump remarked that the US could increase tariffs on India if the country does not decrease its Russian oil imports.

“They wanted to please me, essentially…” Trump told reporters.

“Prime Minister Modi is a commendable leader,” Trump stated. “He understands my dissatisfaction. It was crucial for them to address my concerns. They engage in trade, and we can swiftly impose higher tariffs on them.”

Trump also mentioned that his administration anticipates more cooperation from India in curbing Russian oil purchases.

As of now, neither India's Ministry of External Affairs nor its embassy in Washington has responded to the comments made by Trump and Graham. New Delhi has consistently emphasized that its energy policy aims to maintain stable prices and secure supplies.

In November, Trump indicated that the US would eventually lower tariffs on India and claimed that New Delhi has significantly cut back on its Russian oil purchases.

However, a report from a media outlet on Sunday indicated that India's imports of Russian oil had surged to a six-month peak in both volume and value during November. The same report noted that India also increased its oil imports from the US to a seven-month high that month.

Political Reactions to Trump's Comments

Opposition Critiques Government's Foreign Policy

In light of Trump's assertion that India reduced its oil imports from Russia to appease him, the Congress party criticized the government, stating that India deserves an independent foreign policy and should not engage in ‘silent submission’.

The opposition demanded clarity from Modi on whether India's foreign policy is now being influenced by the US and whether the decision to cut Russian oil imports was made to satisfy Trump.

“Why should the nation bear the consequences of Modi’s perceived weakness?” the Congress questioned. “What makes Modi appear so intimidated by Trump?”

A leader from the Aam Aadmi Party, Saurabh Bharadwaj, labeled the remarks from Trump and Graham as “a national embarrassment,” asserting that Washington is “mocking India.”

“They are boasting about how President Trump pressured PM Modi to decrease oil purchases from Russia,” Bharadwaj expressed on social media.