US Senator Threatens India Over Trade Ties With Russia, Floats 500 Per Cent Tariffs Amid Ukraine War Tensions

Amid growing alarm over Russia’s ongoing assault on Ukraine, US Senator Lindsey Graham has issued a threat to countries, including India, that continue trading with Moscow, declaring they could soon face crippling economic penalties.

Speaking during a televised interview on a CBS show 'Face the Nation', Graham revealed that he and Senator Richard Blumenthal have rallied significant bipartisan backing in the Senate for an expansive sanctions package targeting nations aiding Russia’s war effort through trade, especially in oil and petroleum products.

“This congressional package that we’re looking at would give President Trump the ability to impose 500 per cent tariffs on any country that helps Russia, and props up Putin’s war machine. He can dial it up or down. He can go to 0 per cent, to 500 per cent. He has maximum flexibility,” said Graham.

India, China, and Brazil came under particular scrutiny from the senator, who condemned India’s purchase of discounted Russian oil, accusing it of reselling those supplies and indirectly fuelling Putin’s military operations.

The push for severe economic measures comes as President Trump weighs fresh support for Ukraine amid intelligence suggesting Russia could secure significant territorial gains by next year if Ukraine’s supply of drones and artillery remains inadequate.

Meanwhile, Graham hinted at imminent announcements on arms sales and seized Russian assets being channelled to bolster Ukraine’s defences. “Stay tuned for a plan where America will begin to sell to our European allies tremendous amounts of weapons that can benefit Ukraine,” he said.

Graham stressed that while diplomatic overtures towards Moscow have so far failed, decisive economic pressure may be the only route to ending the war.