Call for 500% Tariff on India, Love-Hate Relation with Pakistan: Lindsey Graham Passes Away

Senior US Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the most influential Republican voices on foreign policy and a long-serving member of the Senate, has died following a brief and sudden illness, according to reports. He was 71.

Known for his hawkish positions on national security and international affairs, Graham played a key role in shaping US foreign policy debates for decades.

In recent years, he was at the centre of efforts targeting Russia over the Ukraine war, US-Iran conflict, and remained vocal on South Asian geopolitical developments involving Pakistan and Iran.

Backed sweeping Russia sanctions that could affect India

Earlier this year, Graham introduced the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 alongside Senator Richard Blumenthal, legislation aimed at curbing Russia's energy revenues. The proposal would have empowered the US President to impose tariffs of at least 500% on countries continuing to purchase Russian-origin petroleum or uranium if Moscow refused to engage in peace negotiations with Ukraine.

The proposal drew attention in India as the country emerged as one of the largest buyers of discounted Russian crude following the Ukraine conflict. Graham had specifically named India, China and Brazil among countries that could face scrutiny for purchasing Russian oil.

The legislation, later backed by President Donald Trump, had raised concerns about its potential impact on India-US trade ties.

Long-time advocate of US-Pakistan engagement

Graham had reportedly maintained a long-standing interest in South Asian affairs throughout his political career.

In January 2019, he reportedly urged then US President Donald Trump to meet Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan amid negotiations to end the war in Afghanistan.

Speaking after meetings with Pakistani leaders, Graham had reportedly said that he believed there was an opportunity to transform the US-Pakistan relationship from what he described as a "transactional" one into a "strategic partnership".

At the time, he expressed optimism about Pakistan's role in supporting peace efforts in Afghanistan.

Questioned Pakistan over Israel stance and Iran mediation

However, Just days after US President Donald Trump urged more Muslim-majority nations to join the Abraham Accords in May 2026, Graham turned his attention to Pakistan's foreign policy.

The Republican senator questioned Pakistan's credibility as a mediator during the Iran conflict, describing its position as "problematic".

In a post on X, Graham asked whether Islamabad would support Trump's call to join the Abraham Accords, pointing to Pakistan's long-standing refusal to recognise Israel.

Reacting to reports of Pakistan sheltering Iranian aircrafts, he also said he would not be surprised if the reports proved true, citing previous statements made by Pakistani defence officials regarding Israel. Pakistan denied the allegations.

He referred to statements by Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who had reiterated that Pakistan would not recognise Israel until an independent Palestinian state was established.

Asif had also publicly opposed Pakistan joining the US-brokered Abraham Accords, which seek to normalise diplomatic relations between Israel and Arab nations.

Graham’s death marks the end of a political career that spanned more than three decades, during which he remained one of the Republican Party’s most prominent voices on defence, diplomacy, and international security.