Amidst an ongoing global oil squeeze, US Senator Lindsey Graham has revealed that India's Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, approached him to convey a message to former President Donald Trump regarding tariffs on India. According to Graham, the Indian envoy requested the removal of tariffs that had been imposed due to India's purchases of Russian oil.

Senator Graham indicated that this pressure from India was a significant factor in their subsequent decision to decrease imports of discounted Russian crude oil. It is worth noting that Graham had previously warned of potential economic repercussions for countries, including India, China, and Brazil, that continued to import Russian oil. He even suggested that Trump was considering imposing tariffs as high as 100% on these nations. In the past, he proposed a bill calling for 500% tariffs on goods from countries continuing to trade with Russia.

Former President Trump has also expressed his dissatisfaction with India's oil deals with Russia. He has hinted at the possibility of imposing further tariffs if India does not curb its oil trade with Moscow. Trump stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was aware of his concerns and had attempted to "make me happy" regarding the situation.

These developments have sparked reactions in India, with some opposition leaders noting that despite efforts to maintain positive relations with the US, including high-profile events and praise for American leaders, the threat of tariffs remains. Experts suggest that the US views its relationship with India as transactional and is willing to use economic pressure to achieve its objectives.

The situation highlights the complex dynamics of international relations, where economic interests, geopolitical strategies, and diplomatic considerations intersect. The US is trying to cut off Russia's financial resources by reducing the purchase of Russian oil by countries like India. While India needs to balance its energy needs with its international relationships. The potential for increased tariffs could have significant economic consequences for India, making the situation a sensitive issue for both countries.