US Vice President JD Vance spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi by phone on Saturday night (Indian time). The two leaders discussed India-US cooperation. PM Modi shared this information on the social media platform X. PM Modi also congratulated JD Vance and his wife on the birth of their son.
Also congratulated JD Vance and his wife on the birth of their son
PM Modi wrote on X, “Received a phone call from US Vice President JD Vance. We discussed ways to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership in key areas. Warmly congratulated him and the ‘Second Lady’ on the birth of their son and extended best wishes to the entire family.”
Received a phone call from US Vice President JD Vance. We discussed ways to further deepen India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership across key areas.
Warmly congratulated him and the Second Lady on the birth of their son and conveyed best wishes to the entire family.…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 8, 2026
Bill passed in US Senate
It’s noteworthy that this conversation between the two leaders comes just a day after the US Senate passed a bipartisan bill on Friday. This bill could authorize President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from countries (such as India and China) that continue to import oil and gas from Russia. The argument is that such trade helps sustain Moscow’s economy and fund its military operations in Ukraine.
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act was approved by a large majority.
The Senate overwhelmingly approved the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act (86-11). Named after the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham (one of its main authors), the legislation aims to increase economic pressure on Russia and Iran, while also targeting countries that have significant energy trade ties with Moscow. Under the legislation’s provisions, the US president would be authorized to impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports from the world’s top five buyers of Russian crude oil or natural gas.
Aims to reduce support for the Russian economy
In addition to targeting foreign energy buyers, the law outlines new sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin, senior political and military officials, financial institutions, energy projects, and entities linked to Russia’s war effort. The law also expands US sanctions on old and re-flagged oil tankers, which Russia allegedly uses to evade global sanctions and maintain revenue from energy exports. Its overarching goal is to choke off financial flows that support Russia’s economy and military campaigns.
Russian oil buyers could face tariffs
This law authorizes the US President to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods imported from the top five buyers of Russian oil or natural gas. India, along with China, is one of the largest buyers of Russian crude oil worldwide. The move is intended to present energy-importing countries with a choice: either continue purchasing Russian energy at discounted rates or maintain access to the lucrative US market.
It is worth noting that after the Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out in 2022, India had increased the purchase of Russian crude oil at concessional rates to meet its national energy needs during the turmoil in the global market.