Graham says Indian envoy pressed for tariff relief amid reduced Russian oil
Graham says Indian envoy pressed for tariff relief amid reduced Russian oil
As tensions over Russian oil linger, Graham says India's envoy urged tariff relief, while Trump signals possible tariff hikes against India.
US Senator Lindsey Graham said the Indian ambassador to the United States once asked him to pass a message to the President: with India buying less Russian oil, the 25% tariff should be relieved. The remark came as President Donald Trump floated the idea of increasing tariffs on India over its ongoing purchases of Russian oil, a move that could complicate already fragile trade talks. Graham, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One alongside Trump, described the envoy’s request as part of a broader push to ease pressure on New Delhi amid shifting energy purchases. The exchange underscores how energy sourcing and tariff policy intersect in the bilateral relationship between the United States and India, especially as both nations weigh strategic tech collaboration, clean energy, defense, and security cooperation. Trump has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a good guy, and emphasized that tariff measures can be adjusted quickly if India’s trade behavior changes. The leaders recently held talks focused on accelerating bilateral trade and investment under frameworks designed to catalyze opportunities in critical technologies and defense partnerships, aiming to sustain momentum in key areas while addressing broader geopolitical concerns. The documents and conversations reflect a delicate policy balance: the United States seeks market access and reliability in supply chains, while India pushes back against perceived penalties on its energy choices and broader strategic interests. In this tense backdrop, a US trade delegation has been involved in ongoing discussions, signaling that both sides are navigating a complex web of economics, energy security, and geopolitical pressure, where tariff decisions could have wide-ranging implications for both economies.
