Trump’s 500% Tariff Threat: Will India Face the Heat Over Russian Oil?
A new US sanctions bill approved by President Donald Trump could trigger tariffs of up to 500% on imports from countries such as India and China, potentially igniting fresh trade tensions.
The proposed Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 empowers the US President to impose massive duties on nations that continue to buy Russian-origin oil and uranium. India—one of the largest importers of discounted Russian crude since the Ukraine conflict began—could be among the most affected if the legislation becomes law.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who co-sponsored the bill with Democrat Senator Richard Blumenthal, said the move aims to cut off Moscow’s wartime financing by penalizing buyers of “cheap Russian oil.” Graham specifically named India, China and Brazil as possible targets once the sanctions framework is activated.
According to the bill, a minimum 500% tariff would apply if the US President determines that Russia or its allies are refusing to pursue peace talks with Ukraine. The sanctions could also return if any ceasefire deal collapses or if Russia resumes aggressive action against Kyiv.
The legislation further mandates that the President “must raise duties on all goods and services imported from countries knowingly purchasing Russian-origin petroleum or uranium to at least 500% of their value.”
Confirming Trump’s approval, Senator Graham posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the former President had given the “greenlight” after internal discussions, saying it would give Trump “tremendous leverage” over countries continuing to buy Russian energy.
The development comes at a sensitive moment for India–US relations. New Delhi has repeatedly defended its Russian oil imports as an issue of energy security and affordability, even as Washington intensifies its push for stronger economic pressure against Moscow.
