US Senator Urges India to Use Influence to End Ukraine War

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U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) has publicly urged India to use its considerable influence to help end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The call came via social media following a recent phone conversation between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Graham, a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump, stated that India’s assistance would be a “consequential” step in improving India-U.S. relations.

Graham’s post on X, formerly Twitter, stated, “As I have been telling my friends in India, one of the most consequential things they could do to improve India-US relations is to help President Trump end this bloodbath in Ukraine.” He highlighted that India is the second-largest buyer of discounted Russian oil, the proceeds of which, he alleges, “fuel Putin’s war machine.” The senator expressed hope that Prime Minister Modi had emphasized to Putin the need for a swift and just resolution to the war during their phone call.

The appeal from the senator comes amid escalating tensions between India and the U.S. over India’s continued purchases of Russian energy. Both Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal have been pushing for a bipartisan bill to impose tougher sanctions on countries, including India, that continue to do business with Russia. This pressure is a key part of Trump’s broader strategy to use economic leverage to force an end to the conflict.

During the phone call between Modi and Putin, the Kremlin’s statement indicated that Putin had briefed Modi on the latest developments in Ukraine. Modi, in turn, reiterated India’s “unwavering stance in favor of settling the situation surrounding Ukraine via political and diplomatic means,” according to a statement from his office. The Prime Minister also extended an invitation for Putin to visit India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit later this year.

Graham’s statement links the future of India-U.S. relations directly to India’s actions on the Ukraine issue. He has previously warned that countries profiting from Russian energy purchases could face economic consequences, including tariffs. This public appeal to New Delhi shows the U.S. administration’s view of India as a key player that can exert pressure on Russia. The situation places India in a delicate diplomatic position, balancing its long-standing strategic partnership with Russia against growing pressure from the United States.