The move signals a potential thaw amid a heated trade tension after Trump imposed a total of 50% tariff on India with repeated criticism over buying Russian oil.
Kwatra shared the “Indian perspective” on energy security with Senator Graham who previously said that helping US President Donald Trump end the war in Ukraine would be the most consequential thing that India could do.
Spoke to Senator @LindseyGrahamSC and shared with him the Indian perspective on our energy security including increasing energy trade with the United States.
– With Vinay Mohan Kwowra (@ambvmkwra) August 9, 2025
India now faces the highest US tariff of all Asian countries. Trump on July 31 announced 25% reciprocal tariff on India, followed by an additional 25% tariff this week, accusing India of “directly or indirectly” importing oil from Russia.
Senator Graham had previously taken a hard stance on India, stating countries like India and China who are buying oil from Russia should face a 100% tariff.
Even though the government has accused the Trump Administration of unfair trade practice, Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke his silence over the matter on Thursday (August 7) and said he will not compromise on national interest, especially that of the country’s farmers.
“For us, our farmers’ welfare is supreme…India will never compromise on the wellbeing of its farmers, dairy (sector) and fishermen. And I know personally I will have to pay a heavy price for it,” Modi said.
The Ministry of External Affairs had called out the double standards that the US shown by targeting India and stated that India’s imports are determined by market factors and the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India.
Also Read: Trump rules out more India talks until Russian oil, trade imbalance issues are resolved
