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Graham: Indian Envoy Sought Tariff Relief Over Reduced Russian Oil Buys

US Senator Lindsey Graham claims that Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra recently asked him to persuade President Trump to relieve tariffs, citing India's reduced purchases of Russian oil. This claim comes alongside a fresh warning from President Trump that the US could quickly raise tariffs on India, despite his positive remarks about Prime Minister Modi. The exchange highlights ongoing trade tensions and Washington's scrutiny of India's energy imports from Russia. The situation unfolds as both countries attempt to resolve a long-standing trade impasse through renewed negotiations.

Key Points: US Senator Claims India Sought Tariff Relief for Less Russian Oil

  • Graham claims Indian envoy linked tariff relief to less Russian oil
  • Trump warns India of more tariffs over Russian oil imports
  • Issue arises amid US scrutiny of India-Russia energy trade
  • Venezuela's oil reserves highlighted amid US sanctions
2 min read

US Senator Lindsey Graham claims Indian envoy sought tariff relief over reduced Russian oil purchases

Senator Lindsey Graham claims Indian ambassador linked reduced Russian oil purchases to US tariff relief request in talks with President Trump.

"all he wanted to talk about was how India is buying less Russian oil. And he asked me to tell the President to relieve the 25% tariff - Lindsey Graham"

Washington, January 5

US Senator Lindsey Graham on Sunday claimed that Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra spoke to him last month about India buying less Russian oil and asked him to tell US President Donald Trump to relieve the 25 per cent tariff.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One alongside Trump, Graham said, "I was at the Indian Ambassador's house a month ago, and all he wanted to talk about was how India is buying less Russian oil. And he asked me to tell the President to relieve the 25% tariff."

This comes as US President Donald Trump has warned India of more tariffs over its continued imports of Russian oil.

"PM Modi's a very good man. He's a good guy. He knew I was not happy. It was important to make me happy. They do trade, and we can raise tariffs on them very quickly," Trump said.

Trump's new warning to India comes amid growing scrutiny in Washington over India's energy trade with Russia, even as New Delhi has defended its oil purchases as essential for domestic energy security.

Meanwhile, the US strike on Venezuela has brought the issue of Oil into the forefront of geopolitics once again. Venezuela has massive oil reserves, which total over 303 billion barrels, making them the world's largest proven reserves. However, production has dwindled to 1 million barrels per day due to US sanctions and underinvestment. Venezuela holds the world's largest proven oil reserves (estimated at over 300 billion barrels), which represent roughly 17% of the total global oil supply, OPEC data shows.

The comments also come just weeks after Trump and Prime Minister Modi held a telephonic conversation, during which both leaders stressed the importance of maintaining momentum in bilateral trade ties despite ongoing tariff-related tensions.

The call coincided with the launch of a fresh round of negotiations between Indian and US officials aimed at resolving the long-standing trade impasse.Only days before the conversation with Modi, Trump had threatened to impose new tariffs on Indian rice imports.

The warning followed complaints raised by a US farmer representative at a White House roundtable, who alleged dumping by India, China and Thailand.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's a tricky situation. We need good relations with the US, but we also need affordable energy. Maybe we should diversify more? The Venezuela news is interesting... but that's another complicated mess. 🤔
A
Aman W
Respectfully, the government's communication on this could be better. We hear about these talks through foreign senators. A clear statement from our side on the oil purchase strategy and its link to tariffs would help citizens understand.
S
Sarah B
Watching from abroad, it's classic realpolitik. Every country acts in its own interest. India buying Russian oil makes economic sense for them, just like the US protects its farmers. The diplomacy is just finding a middle ground.
V
Vikram M
"Make me happy" – Trump's words show the problem. It's not about rules or fairness, it's about personal ego. We need a stable, rule-based trade relationship, not one based on the mood of one leader. Jai Hind!
K
Kavya N
First they sanction Venezuela's oil, then complain when we buy from Russia? Where are we supposed to get affordable energy from? Our growth needs fuel. Hope the negotiators can find a solution soon.

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