Lindsey Graham Dies at 71; Pushed 500% Tariff on India Over Russian Oil
US Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Republican and close ally of former President Donald Trump, passed away on Saturday, July 11, at the age of 71. His family announced his death, citing a brief sudden illness, and asked for privacy.
In recent years, Graham had become a vocal advocate for economic measures against countries that continued to purchase Russian oil following the invasion of Ukraine. He repeatedly criticised India, China, and Brazil for buying discounted Russian crude, terming such payments as 'blood money.'
Graham, along with Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, introduced the bipartisan Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, which proposed tariffs of at least 500 per cent on countries importing Russian energy products if Russia refused to negotiate an end to the war. He claimed that President Trump had 'greenlit' the bill, warning that nations would have to choose between access to the US economy and trade with Russia.
India was one of the largest buyers of Russian crude during this period. Graham argued that such purchases financed Russia's war effort and should face economic consequences. He said tariffs would serve as a direct warning: 'If you keep buying cheap Russian oil to allow this war to continue, we’re going to tear the hell out of you and we’re going to crush your economy.'
Graham also asserted that India had reduced its Russian oil purchases 'dramatically' due to tariff threats, though India did not confirm this and maintained that its energy imports were based on national security and price considerations.
After the Trump administration imposed tariffs linked to Russian oil in August 2025, Graham claimed the pressure helped push Russian President Vladimir Putin towards negotiations. He argued that countries would eventually 'choose the American economy' over Russian energy.
In July 2026, Graham joined a bipartisan group to revive an updated Russia sanctions bill targeting buyers of Russian oil and gas. The proposal did not name India but could have affected countries that continued importing Russian energy.
Graham served in the US Senate since 2003. His death marks the end of a career defined by hawkish foreign policy and strong advocacy for US economic interests.
