The meeting between US President Trump and Russian President Putin held overnight from August 15-16 ended inconclusively, although many see it as a diplomatic win for Putin. Trump, who had been making grandiose statements and threatening Putin into a compromise, appeared weak in front of the Russian leader. The Trump administration failed to persuade the Russian president to end the conflict and is now making bold claims, particularly by US Senator Lindsey Graham.
Graham claims that if America were to confront Russia's customers, they would choose the American economy over cheap Russian oil and gas. Echoing Trump's sentiments, Graham stated that Putin visited Alaska because Trump had announced a 50% tariff on India's purchase of Russian oil and gas.
In an interview with Fox News, South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said, 'The only reason Putin is in Alaska is due to Trump's threat of imposing a 50% tariff on India's purchase of Russian oil and gas. Putin wasn't visiting Alaska to inspect its condition post its sale.'
Russia sold Alaska to America for $7.2 million on March 30, 1876.
Further into the interview, Lindsey noted that Russia's weakness lies in its heavy reliance on oil and gas sales to other countries. He added, 'If we tell Russia's customers (India, China) to choose between the US economy and cheap Russian oil or gas, they'll pick the US economy.'
Earlier, Trump mentioned that Putin came to the negotiating table due to the US threatening increased tariffs on India's Russian oil imports.
Trump remarked on India and China, 'When you lose your second-largest customer (China) and possibly your first-largest customer (India), it plays a significant role.'
Meanwhile, Graham emphasized that America should leverage its economic power against Russia to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He urged President Trump to increase tariffs on countries buying Russian oil.
He advised, 'President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio should warn Putin that if he refuses to end the war justly, we will devastate the Russian economy. We hold the power to do so.'
Before the Putin-Trump meeting, US Treasury Secretary Scott Besant warned that secondary tariffs on India might increase if negotiations fail. He said, 'We have already imposed secondary tariffs on India for purchasing Russian oil. If conditions worsen, further restrictions or tariffs could be implemented.'
At the beginning of this month, a 25% tariff on India was implemented by the US. Beyond this, the Trump administration imposed an additional 25% tariff set to take effect on August 27. Consequently, India joins the list as one of the countries facing the highest tariffs from the US with a total of 50% tariff.
While the Trump administration claims the tariffs on India have been effective, India refused to halt Russian oil purchases. Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly responded to Trump's tariffs, labeling them as unfair and illogical. PM Modi emphasized that despite economic pressure, the interests of Indian farmers and fishermen will not be compromised.
