Lindsey Graham, a US Senator, has asked India to exert its prolific influence towards ending the waning war between Russia and Ukraine. Graham insisted that India was uniquely positioned in this regard as the largest importer of Russian oil, which indirectly backs Russia’s war effort, notwithstanding the escalating tension between India and the US.
Senator Graham pointed out that India is a large purchaser of crude oil from Russia, and this oil indirectly finances Russia’s military operations in Ukraine. He shall hope now that in a phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian leader insisted on a fair and durable resolution of this conflict: “India holds great sway on this front, and I trust that Prime Minister Modi will utilize it to good effect,” Graham tweeted.
He also said he had been telling his friends in India that the best thing the country could do to improve ties with the US is “help President Trump end this bloodbath in Ukraine”.
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India’s Role and Recent Diplomatic Engagements
Graham referred to the last contact Modi made with Putin on the telephone to express hopes that Modi had advised Putin to cease the war “justly, honorably and forever.”
The senator figured out that India held an important influence over Russia and should then use India’s advantage responsibly towards some resolution in the argument.
Impact of US Tariffs and Geopolitical Pressure
This happened when there was an increasing level of pressure on India from the US. The Trump administration had declared a 25% counter tariff on imports from India earlier this year, and talks were to be held for a 25% additional tariff on India for purchasing Russian oil. While the reciprocal tariffs have come into force, the additional duties will take effect starting August 27. The tariffs added the warnings of Graham and Trump that countries which keep on trading with Russia will be advised on tougher sanctions, including secondary tariffs.
Trump also said recently that he would be meeting with Putin in Alaska on August 15, with hopes for a ceasefire deal between Russia and Ukraine. In those circumstances, India’s critical diplomatic position is part of a larger global effort to find peace in the conflict.
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