Who is US Senator Lindsey Graham and Why He Threatened 100% Tariffs on India

US Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, recently made headlines after threatening massive tariffs on India, China, and Brazil over their continued oil trade with Russia. His statement aligns with the increasingly hardline stance of former President Donald Trump and NATO allies against Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Graham is sponsoring a sweeping Russia sanctions bill, which proposes up to 500% tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil — with India among the top importers.

Who is Lindsey Graham?

• Full Name: Lindsey Olin Graham
• Position: US Senator from South Carolina since 2003
• Current Role: Chair of the Senate Budget Committee
• Background: Former US Air Force officer and attorney
• Political Record:
  • Ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016
  • Once a vocal Trump critic, later became a close ally
  • Known for strong stances on national security, immigration reform, and foreign policy interventions
  • Previously chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee (2019–2021)

What Did Graham Say?

In an interview with Fox News, Graham stated that Trump will impose tariffs on nations still buying Russian oil, naming India, China, and Brazil. These countries together account for around 80% of Russia’s crude oil exports, and Graham argued that this trade funds Russia’s war in Ukraine. He warned of potential 100% tariffs under Trump’s leadership, furthering the message of economic retaliation.

What Is the Russia Sanctions Bill?

Graham’s proposed legislation, introduced in April 2025, is aimed at:

• Punishing countries that continue trading with Russia, especially oil and uranium.
• Imposing up to 500% tariffs on imports from such countries.
• Authorising the US President to:
  • Impose visa bans and property freezes on top Russian officials
  • Sanction financial institutions with Russian links
  • Ban trade re-routing of US-origin energy to Russia

The bill targets Russia if it:

• Refuses to negotiate peace with Ukraine
• Violates a peace agreement
• Launches a new invasion
• Attempts to overthrow the Ukrainian government

Why India Is in Focus

India maintains a strong strategic partnership with Russia, with key trade in oil, defence, and fertilisers. The economic ties include:

• Trade in FY 2024–25: $68.7 billion
• Russian Imports to India: $63.84 billion (mainly crude oil, fertilisers)
• Indian Exports to Russia: $4.88 billion
• Oil Imports (May 2025): 1.8 million barrels/day (10-month high)
• Reliance–Rosneft Deal (Dec 2024): $13 billion, for 500,000 bpd crude supply
• Investment Target by 2025: $50 billion (Russia in India: $20B; India in Russia: $16B)

Such ties could place India at odds with new US policy if Trump returns to power and Graham’s bill becomes law.

Global Impact and Progress of the Bill

• China: Russia’s largest trading partner, with $237 billion trade in 2024
• Brazil: Trade with Russia was $9.8 billion in 2022
• Bill Status: While the bill has gained attention, it still needs congressional approval.
  • Trump is reportedly frustrated with Putin and has reconsidered his earlier softer tone on Russia.
  • There is speculation that Trump may bypass Congress to implement the sanctions if elected, as he prefers an authoritarian decision-making style.

If passed or enforced through executive action:

• Indian oil imports from Russia could face steep tariffs
• Indian companies like Reliance Industries may be directly affected
• Could force India to diversify oil imports
• Potential strain on India-US ties depending on diplomatic negotiations

Senator Lindsey Graham’s threat to impose high tariffs on India is a direct fallout of mounting US political pressure to isolate Russia economically. As India continues its strategic and energy relations with Russia, it risks becoming collateral in US-led sanctions unless diplomatic channels mitigate the fallout. The outcome depends significantly on the 2024 US Presidential Election, the status of the Ukraine war, and the final shape of the Russia sanctions bill.

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