Reacting to Lutnick’s remarks, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the “characterisation of discussions in reported remarks not accurate”, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken to President Trump by phone on eight occasions in 2025. “So Modi didn’t call.”He said India later indicated it was ready to proceed, but by then the opportunity had passed. It would authorise the US to levy punitive tariffs and secondary sanctions on countries — including India and China — that continue to purchase Russian oil, gas, uranium and other exports. A White House official has now confirmed that the president supports the sanctions legislation. Senator Graham said the bill could be put to a vote as early as next week, though its prospects in Congress remain uncertain.

Source: Indian Express January 09, 2026 23:42 UTC