In a major escalation of economic pressure, former US President Donald Trump has greenlit a bipartisan Russian sanctions bill that could impose tariffs as high as 500% on India and other nations for purchasing Russian oil, aiming to cripple Putin’s war funding.
Washington D.C., USA : In a decisive move to intensify sanctions against Russia, former President Donald Trump has given his approval to a hard-hitting bipartisan bill that directly targets Moscow’s trade partners, including India, China, and Brazil. The proposed legislation, known as the Graham-Blumenthal sanctions bill, authorizes the US President to levy tariffs up to 500% on countries that knowingly purchase Russian oil or uranium, a measure explicitly designed to “punish countries who buy cheap Russian oil fueling Putin’s war machine.”
The development was confirmed by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent defence hawk, who stated that Trump “greenlit the bipartisan Russia sanctions bill” during a meeting at the White House. Graham added that he is hopeful for a strong bipartisan vote on the bill as early as next week.
Key Details of the 500% Tariff Bill Targeting India’s Russia Oil Trade
The Graham-Blumenthal sanctions bill represents one of the most aggressive economic measures proposed since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. If passed, it would provide sweeping authority to the US administration to economically penalize nations continuing energy trade with Russia.
- Primary Target: The bill aims to cut off a major revenue stream for the Kremlin by targeting international buyers of Russian oil.
- Countries at Risk: India is prominently listed alongside China and Brazil as a nation that could face severe 500% tariffs on relevant imports.
- Current Impact on India: India is already paying elevated tariffs for its purchase of Russian crude. This new bill threatens to multiply those costs exponentially, potentially disrupting one of India’s key strategic energy partnerships.
- Strategic Timing: Senator Graham noted, “This will be well-timed, as Ukraine is making concessions for peace and Putin is all talk, continuing to kill the innocent,” framing the bill as crucial leverage to end the war.
500% Tariff On India For Russia Oil Trade
The push for a 500% tariff on India stems from its significant increase in purchases of discounted Russian oil following the Ukraine war. This Russia oil trade has been a cornerstone of India’s strategy to manage energy inflation, but it has drawn consistent scrutiny from Western allies.
The term “500% Tariff On India” now signals a potential seismic shift in US-India trade relations. Analysts warn that such punitive measures could force a rapid recalculation of India’s import strategies and test the resilience of its bilateral ties with the United States.
For global markets, a 500% tariff on India for Russia oil trade would not only affect New Delhi but could reroute global oil flows and tighten supply, impacting worldwide energy prices.
Next Steps and Political Timeline
While Trump has given his nod and momentum is building, the bill’s immediate path is tied to a crowded legislative calendar. The Senate is scheduled to handle a government funding package next week, potentially pushing the sanctions vote to later in the month, especially with a recess planned for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
A White House official confirmed the development to the Associated Press, adding credibility to the bill’s advanced stage. The “Bill Threatening 500% Tariff On India For Russia Oil Trade Gets Trump’s Nod” is now poised to become a central issue in international diplomacy and economic policy.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story regarding the 500% tariff threat on India, the Russia oil trade, and the global sanctions regime.
