US Senator Lindsey Graham has praised President Donald Trump’s surprise 50% tariff on Indian imports over Russian oil deals, calling it a bold and defining moment in the effort to curb Moscow’s ability to fund its war in Ukraine. In a social media post on Thursday, the Republican senator stated that the tariff was a “defining moment” in the conflict, as it directly targeted the funds sustaining Russia’s war machine.
This statement came after President Trump issued an executive order imposing an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, citing New Delhi’s continued imports of Russian oil. The measure, which raised tariffs on some Indian goods to a total of 50%, is one of the steepest faced by any US trading partner and has sharply escalated tensions between the two countries.
Graham expressed confidence that Trump’s push to end the war was yielding “real dividends” and that the President had the ability to resolve the conflict “justly.” He also highlighted the broad bipartisan support in Congress for Russia-related sanctions and tariffs, noting that 85 senators were backing relevant legislation. The senator concluded his statement with a warning: “When it comes to Putin’s Russia: Don’t trust. Verify.”
The tariff order, issued from the White House, stated, “I find that the government of India is currently directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil. Accordingly, and as consistent with applicable law, articles of India imported into the customs territory of the United States shall be subject to an additional ad valorem rate of duty of 25%.” The order is expected to impact key Indian export sectors such as textiles, footwear, and gems and jewellery.
The move marks the most serious downturn in US-India relations since Trump’s return to office and comes as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for his first visit to China in over seven years, suggesting a potential realignment of alliances.
In response, India’s external affairs ministry called the US move “extremely unfortunate,” stating that “India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests.” The ministry argued that India’s imports are based on market factors and are essential for ensuring the energy security of its 1.4 billion people, adding that other countries were also taking similar actions in their national interest.
