US Senator Graham says tariffs on India prove things can change 'dramatically'

US Senator Lindsey Graham has claimed that India is now buying "dramatically" less Russian oil, citing the impact of trade pressure imposed by the Trump administration and linking the shift to Washington’s broader strategy to weaken Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine.

In remarks posted on X, Graham said tariffs introduced by US President Donald Trump on India had played a key role in changing New Delhi’s energy sourcing decisions. He described the move as evidence that economic pressure on Russia’s trading partners could influence the course of the conflict.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also repeated the claim that India has agreed to stop purchasing Russian oil and shift its crude imports to the DC following direct talks.

US SENATOR LINKS TARIFFS TO FALL IN RUSSIAN OIL IMPORTS

Graham’s remarks followed the announcement of a new India-US trade agreement. In a post on Truth Social, President Trump said Washington had agreed to reduce reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from 25 per cent to 18 per cent.

According to Graham, these steps have contributed to a noticeable reduction in India’s oil imports from Russia. He argued that targeting Moscow’s major customers was an effective way to weaken the financial foundation of the war.

In his post, Graham said pressuring Russian President Vladimir Putin through economic means remained necessary, as diplomatic efforts had failed to halt attacks on Ukraine.

PRESSURE ON RUSSIA’S OIL NETWORK

The US senator maintained that cutting into Russia’s energy revenues was central to Washington’s strategy. He said President Trump had damaged Moscow’s economy by targeting oil companies and refineries, and by encouraging allied nations to reconsider their energy ties with Russia.

Graham suggested that if other major buyers followed India’s example, it could significantly increase pressure on the Kremlin. He described India’s alleged shift as a sign that the policy was beginning to yield results.

His comments were made in response to reports of renewed Russian attacks on Kyiv, which have intensified international calls for stronger action against Moscow.

Trump announced the tariffs cut after a phone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to the US President, India agreed to curb purchases of Russian oil, lower trade barriers and expand imports from the United States.

Trump also claimed that India had committed to buying additional US energy, technology, agricultural products and other goods over time, with purchases valued at around USD 500 billion. However, the framework of the deal is unclear so far.

Following the deal, Graham publicly welcomed the tariff reduction, saying India had "earned" the concession through its recent actions.

GRAHAM URGES TOUGHER SANCTIONS ON RUSSIA

The senator has been among the strongest advocates in Washington for harsher penalties on Russia and its trading partners. He has proposed legislation that could impose tariffs of up to 500 per cent on countries that continue buying Russian oil.

Graham argues that only sustained economic pain will force Moscow to reconsider its military campaign. He said that while Russia had not yet been pushed to the negotiating table, recent developments suggested that pressure was mounting.

At the same time, Indian officials have not publicly confirmed any major policy shift on Russian oil purchases.

Graham’s comments come against the backdrop of earlier penalties announced by Washington in August 2025, when the US imposed a 25 per cent tariff along with an additional 25 per cent punitive duty on Indian imports. The measures were introduced in response to India’s purchases of Russian crude oil.