In Washington D.C., India's name is once again making headlines, and this time, the focus is on the speed with which Delhi is being courted.
US Senators and Republican Party leaders have given India a jolt, which could be called an economic 'shock,' as the US is now ready to impose tariffs of up to 500% if India does not back down from the help of China and Russia.
This is not a casual statement but rather a trailer of the measures that could be taken in the coming months by the US - a bill that could shatter the economic ties between countries like India.
Tariff Threats or Economic Coercion?
Graham stated in his interview, "India and China and Russia buy 70% of the oil. This is the money that is giving Vladimir Putin the ability to wage war in Ukraine. Now is the time to put the hammer down on these countries."
This is not the first time Graham has targeted India. Over the past few months, he has repeatedly targeted India - sometimes tariffs, sometimes sanctions, and now outright economic warfare. But India is now the India of 1991 and is not afraid of being seen in the eyes of America.
India has repeatedly told Graham and other leaders to look at the conversations with Russia, and this is what the US is most afraid of.
The 500% Tariff Threat - Trump's New Economic Shock!
Graham also claimed that former US President Donald Trump had prepared to impose this strict measure himself. The proposed 'sanctions bill' explicitly stated that countries that continue to trade with Russia - especially in oil - would face a 500% tariff on their products in America.
Senator Graham called this an "economic blockbuster," a move to bring Russia to the negotiating table.
India's Stance, But China's Side!
Although China is also named in the bill, Senator Graham's focus is on India, which is why America hopes to put pressure on India - and see Russia's friendship as 'enemy' and friendship with America.
But the question arises - will America's economic shock work on India? The answer is no. India has repeatedly reiterated that it is independent in its policies and does not need to be in the shadow of America or Russia.
India-Russia relations and trade have deepened over the past two years, and America has failed to find a 'tariff' and 'sanction' weapon in its own arsenal.
India's Choice, But Russia's Side!
Lately, the only Russia and Ukraine are not the only ones. America is building America, China is building America, and now India is building America's claims - this is the new Cold War shape.
But this time the difference is - India is not in any camp, but rather standing on its own.
The 500% tariff shock may be as high as it is, India's stance is still very clear.
Next Month's Decision, Will India-US Relations Flourish?
If the sanctions bill comes in July, then a new chapter in India-US relations may begin. But this time, India is ready - both to challenge and to respond. Now we have to see - will America really impose the tariff on India? Or will America once again find itself in the face of India's strong stance?
One thing is certain - the era of economic shock is over, and India now knows how to respond!