US Senator Lindsey Graham has called on India to leverage its influence with Russia to help bring an end to the war in Ukraine, which he characterized as a critical step in enhancing India-U.S. relations. In a post on X, Graham stated, “As I have been telling my friends in India, one of the most consequential things they could do to improve India-U.S. relations is to help President Trump end this bloodbath in Ukraine.” He emphasized that India is a major buyer of Russian oil, remarking, “India is the second largest purchaser of Putin’s cheap oil-the proceeds of which fuel his war machine.”
Graham expressed hope that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would have addressed the urgent need to end the war during his recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “I have always believed India has influence in this matter, and I am hoping they will use it wisely,” he added.
His comments coincided with Modi’s disclosure of a “very good and detailed” conversation with Putin, during which they discussed developments regarding Ukraine. Modi stated, “I thanked him for sharing the latest developments on Ukraine. We also reviewed the progress in our bilateral agenda and reaffirmed our commitment to further deepen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. I look forward to hosting President Putin in India later this year.”
This development arises as U.S. President Donald Trump has called for implementing 100 percent “secondary tariffs” on Moscow if Putin does not cease hostilities in Ukraine within 50 days. Senators Graham and Richard Blumenthal have warned nations, including India, that they could face economic sanctions if they continue to engage with Russia.
Graham and Blumenthal are spearheading a bipartisan bill in Congress, co-sponsored by 85 lawmakers, aimed at instituting sanctions against Moscow. They argue that these measures could serve as a “sledgehammer” for President Trump to bring the conflict to an end. In a post on his X account, Blumenthal affirmed, “We’ll continue to push for Senator Graham & my Russia Sanctions bill with even tougher penalties to deter India, China, Brazil & others from fueling Putin’s war machine. Congressional action sends a powerful message of support.”
Original Source: https://www.sentinelassam.com/more-news/international/hope-india-will-use-influence-to-end-war-us-senator-lindsey-graham-urges-india-to-help-end-ukraine-conflict
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Publish Date: 2025-08-10 18:45:00
