US Senator Lindsey Graham on Tuesday claimed India is now buying “dramatically” less Russian oil, citing tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on New Delhi over its purchases from Moscow as a “good example” of how policy pressure can bring change.
The US had announced in August 2025 a 25 per cent tariff and an additional 25 per cent punitive duty on India over its imports of Russian oil and defence equipment.
“Clearly the pressure we’re applying to Putin to come to the peace table and stop massive attacks against Ukraine is not working. President Trump’s idea of going after Putin’s oil customers who prop up his war machine should be pursued with vigour by the US and Europe,” Graham said in a post on X.
“President Trump has crippled Putin’s economy by going after oil companies and refineries. Tariffs on India is a good example of how things can change. India is now buying dramatically less Russian oil, and if the other large purchasers would follow suit, it would help end this bloodbath,” he added.
The remarks came in response to a media report about Russian strikes on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump, who held a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announced Monday that India and the US agreed to a trade deal under which Washington will charge a reduced reciprocal tariff on Delhi, lowering it to 18 per cent.
According to Trump, this came after India agreed to stop buying Russian oil, reduce its tariff and non-tariff barriers against the US, and commit to purchasing an additional $500 billion worth of US energy, technology, agricultural products, coal and other goods over time.
Following the announcement of the deal, Graham had said that India “has more than earned” this reduction in tariffs.
“Well played, President Trump. I think your message about ending this war -- by having Putin’s customers who prop up his war machine have to recalculate -- is working,” Graham said on X.
“Through their behaviour, India has more than earned this reduction. I’m hoping that the other big nations that buy Russian will follow India’s direction.”
"Putin will only come to the table when the pain is so great. We’re not there yet, but with India’s actions, we are moving closer. End the bloodbath in Ukraine now,” Graham had said.
Graham has proposed a sanctions bill that could impose 500 per cent tariffs on countries for buying Russian oil.
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