Islamabad 7 August: U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has lauded President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian imports as a critical strike against Russia’s ability to finance its ongoing war in Ukraine.
In a social media statement on Thursday, the Republican senator described the tariff, which includes an additional 25% duty on Indian goods due to New Delhi’s continued imports of Russian oil, as a “defining moment” in the conflict.
Graham emphasized that the tariffs target the financial lifelines sustaining Russia’s war machine, particularly India’s purchase of discounted Russian oil. The move, enacted via an executive order, escalates tensions between the U.S. and India following stalled trade talks and marks one of the steepest tariff rates imposed on a U.S. trading partner. Key Indian export sectors, including textiles, footwear, and jewelry, are expected to be heavily impacted.
READ MORE: Trump to Punish India Over Russian Oil Resale
The senator expressed confidence in Trump’s strategy, stating that the administration’s efforts to end the war are yielding “real dividends” and could pave the way for a just resolution. The White House has maintained exemptions for pharmaceuticals and certain other goods, but the tariffs signal a broader push to pressure nations like India, China, and Brazil, which collectively account for a significant portion of Russia’s crude oil exports.
