Lindsey Graham Says Tariffs Forced India To Lessen Russian Oil Imports

India- West News Desk

NEW DELHI-Following a call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump, the United States has moved to lower reciprocal tariffs on Indian products from 25% to 18%.

This shift coincides with claims from the Trump administration that New Delhi has committed to an expansive $500 billion procurement plan for American energy, technology, and agricultural goods over the coming years.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, commenting on X, framed this trade breakthrough as evidence that economic pressure on Russia’s commercial partners can influence the conflict in Ukraine, noting that India is now purchasing “dramatically” less Russian oil.

The strategic shift was further highlighted by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who stated that India is now “committed to stop purchasing Russian oil” and will instead transition its crude imports to the United States.

Graham credited the administration’s previous use of tariffs as a “key role” in forcing this change in New Delhi’s energy sourcing. He argued that aggressively targeting Moscow’s major clients is an essential method to “weaken the financial foundation of the war,” particularly since diplomatic efforts have not successfully halted the attacks on Kyiv.