India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, engaged with US Senator Lindsey Graham on Saturday to discuss India's perspective on energy security, including the expansion of energy trade between the two nations. This dialogue occurs amidst broader discussions involving the US, India, Russia, and Ukraine.

Senator Graham has been vocal about India's role in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. He has urged India to leverage its influence with Russia to help President Donald Trump bring an end to the war. Graham highlighted India's significant purchases of discounted Russian oil, suggesting that these revenues are inadvertently fueling Russia's war efforts. He expressed hope that Prime Minister Modi would emphasize the need for a just and lasting resolution to the conflict during his recent phone call with President Putin.

In a statement on social media, Graham conveyed that one of the most impactful actions India could take to improve US-India relations would be to assist President Trump in ending the "bloodbath in Ukraine". He believes India has considerable influence in this matter and hopes it will be used wisely.

The Senator's remarks follow Prime Minister Modi's recent conversation with President Putin, during which Putin provided updates on the situation in Ukraine. According to the Kremlin, Putin shared the key outcomes of his meeting with US President's Special Envoy Steven Witkoff with Prime Minister Modi, in light of the special and privileged partnership between Russia and India. Modi, in turn, reiterated India's unwavering commitment to resolving the conflict through political and diplomatic channels and extended an invitation to Putin for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit later this year.

However, backdrop to this discussion is the rising tensions between India and the US concerning tariffs. Senator Graham has supported President Trump's decision to impose additional tariffs on India for its continued purchases of Russian oil, viewing it as a way to address "war profiteering". Trump has imposed a 50 per cent tariff on India, comprising a 25 per cent levy, topped with a 25 per cent penalty for continued purchase of Russian oil.

Graham had previously warned countries, including India, China, and Brazil, about potential tariffs for doing business with Russia. He had labeled India and China as Russia's largest energy buyers.

Despite these tensions, Graham believes that India can play a crucial role in resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which, in turn, could significantly improve relations between the US and India. He hopes Prime Minister Modi will emphasize the need for a just and honorable end to the war during his interactions with President Putin.