News India Live, Digital Desk: US Senator Lindsey Graham has welcomed the India-US trade agreement, saying that India has reduced tariffs. reduced from 25% to 18% The relief is “Earned”. Graham has directly linked this decision to the Russia-Ukraine war and India’s cut in purchases of Russian oil. He believes that this step of Prime Minister Modi is a big blow towards economically weakening Putin’s ‘war machine’.
Graham’s tweet: “Well played, President Trump”
Lindsey Graham praised President Trump’s strategy on social media platform X, writing:
Way to end the war: According to Graham, Putin can be brought to the negotiating table only if his largest oil buyers (such as India) change their stance.
India’s conduct: He said that India has proved by its behavior and decisions that it is committed to global peace, hence it deserves this tariff cut.
Message to other countries: Graham expressed hope that other big countries like China and Brazil will also follow India’s lead and stop importing energy from Russia.
Why did Lindsey Graham change his stance?
| Time | Graham’s stance | Main demand/claim |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | strong opposition | Introduced a bill to impose 500% tariff on countries buying Russian oil. |
| 2 February 2026 | Support | Welcomed 18% tariff after Modi-Trump deal. |
| Reason | strategic victory | India has reportedly promised to stop buying oil from Russia and buy oil from America. |
Geopolitical implications: ‘Increasing pressure on Putin’
Graham argues that India’s abandonment of Russian oil is the most effective way to prevent a “bloodbath” in Ukraine.
Economic siege: Russia’s largest source of income is oil exports. Withdrawal of a big market like India would be a big blow for Russia.
American energy advantage: Under this deal, India will now $500 billion Will buy energy, coal and agricultural products, which will strengthen the American economy.
look news india