August 10, 2025

Get ready for some high-stakes diplomacy! India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, had a lively chat with US Senator Lindsey Graham about the hot topic of energy security. Kwatra shared the Indian view, emphasizing the booming energy trade between India and the US, showing the two countries are warming up on this front. This talk came right after Senator Graham made a bold statement urging India to use its influence on Russia to help stop the war in Ukraine. On his social media post, Graham said, "India is the second largest purchaser of Putin's cheap oil, the proceeds of which fuel his war machine. I hope Prime Minister Modi emphasised to Putin in their recent phone call the need to end this war in Ukraine justly, honourably and forever." He also called this move one of the biggest ways to boost India-US ties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also joined the conversation spotlight. On the same day, he tweeted about having a "very good and detailed" talk with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Modi said, "We also reviewed the progress in our bilateral agenda, and reaffirmed our commitment to further deepen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership." Modi even looks forward to hosting Putin in India later this year, keeping the strategic dance alive. But wait, there's a twist! Just this week, US President Donald Trump slapped a fresh 25% tariff on Indian imports, adding to existing duties and hiking them to a whopping 50%. Why? Trump's administration points to concerns over India's continued buying of Russian oil, seeing it as an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to US national security and foreign policy. This move stirred the pot in India-US trade relations. PM Modi fired back at home, making a passionate promise to Indian farmers. He said, "For us, the interest of our farmers is our top priority. India will never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers. I know we will have to pay a heavy price for it, and I am ready for it. India is ready for it." The Prime Minister’s words show India's firm stand amid these challenging trade tired games. So, what a rollercoaster ride of talks, tariffs, and tough stands! Energy, geopolitical influence, and farmer rights took center stage as India, the US, and Russia keep their high-stakes chess game on. Stay tuned for more exciting updates from this diplomatic saga!

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Tags: India-us relations, Energy security, Russian oil imports, Lindsey graham, Modi-putin talks, Us tariffs on india,