US Bill Targets India, China and Three Other Nations Over Russian Oil Purchases

A bipartisan group of US senators has introduced legislation proposing tariffs of up to 100% on imports from India, China and three other countries that continue to purchase Russian oil. The proposal is the latest effort by Washington to increase economic pressure on Moscow amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. The proposed legislation targets the five largest buyers of Russian oil—India, China, Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan. However, it exempts 15 European countries that continue to import Russian natural gas. Lawmakers argued that natural gas imports account for only a small portion of those countries' energy needs and that they are steadily reducing their dependence on Moscow. The bill is among the final major initiatives backed by the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and has also been sponsored by Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, who has urged Congress to pass the legislation without delay. Announcing the proposal, Blumenthal said the White House had agreed to the measure before Graham's death. He described it as a comprehensive sanctions package, stating that the legislation goes well beyond tariff measures. According to Blumenthal, the bill would impose what he called "full blocking sanctions" on key sectors of the Russian economy, including its energy, financial and defence industries. It would also target Russian President Vladimir Putin, oligarchs and prominent business figures with additional sanctions. Blumenthal said the proposed tariff of up to 100% has been "carefully crafted" to apply only to the five largest purchasers of Russian oil. Addressing reporters, one lawmaker said the final tariff rate—ranging from zero to 100%—would be determined with the objective of strongly discouraging the targeted countries from continuing to buy Russian energy. The proposal comes as Washington seeks to tighten economic measures against Moscow during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. US lawmakers have argued that reducing Russia's revenue from energy exports is central to efforts aimed at limiting the country's ability to sustain the war. India has significantly increased its imports of Russian crude oil since the Ukraine conflict began in 2022, maintaining that its energy purchases are guided by national interests and aimed at ensuring affordable energy supplies. New Delhi has consistently defended its position, stating that it does not support unilateral sanctions that are not mandated by the United Nations. The Indian government has also maintained that its energy sourcing decisions are based on market conditions and domestic requirements. Before becoming law, the proposed legislation must be approved by both chambers of the US Congress. It remains uncertain whether the bill will advance in its current form.