Optimistic : External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Candid On The Impending US Tariffs On India

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that the Indian embassy and ambassador have been in touch with United States Senator Lindsey Graham regarding a proposed bill that could impose steep tariffs, as much as 500 per cent, on countries importing Russian oil, which includes India.

According to ANI report, Jaishankar, who is in the United States for the Quad meet, stated that India’s concerns and interests on energy, security have been made conversant to Graham.

“Regarding Senator Lindsey Graham’s bill, any development which is happening in the US Congress is of interest to us if it impacts our interest or could impact our interest,” Jaishankar said.

“So, we have been in touch with Senator Graham. The embassy, ambassador have been in touch. Our concerns and our interests on energy, security have been made conversant to him. So, we’ll then have to cross that bridge when we come to it, if we come to it,” he added.

Graham’s proposed bill on Russia would impose a 500 per cent tariff on imports from any nation that purchases Russian oil, gas, uranium and other product. The bill has over 80 co-sponsors in the Senate, potentially making it veto-proof.