The US Senate has passed a new bill that could allow President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries purchasing Russian oil and other energy products. India, China, Japan, Hungary and several other countries could potentially face the proposed penalties.
The bill, which passed the Senate by an overwhelming 86-11 vote on Friday, argues that countries continuing to buy Russian energy indirectly support Moscow’s military campaign in Ukraine. If enacted, the legislation would authorise Washington to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on such countries.
India is among the major buyers of Russian crude oil and has repeatedly defended its decision to continue energy purchases from Moscow. New Delhi has maintained that its national interests and energy security remain its primary considerations and that its foreign policy decisions will not be dictated by external pressure.
The legislation will now move to the US House of Representatives. If approved there, it would require President Trump’s signature to become law. The process could potentially be completed within weeks.
The latest initiative follows earlier calls in Washington for tougher economic measures against countries purchasing Russian energy. A previous proposal had threatened tariffs as high as 500 percent, although it did not become law.
Trump has repeatedly criticised India over its continued economic engagement with Russia, accusing countries buying Russian energy of indirectly supporting the war in Ukraine.
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has firmly defended New Delhi’s position, arguing that India has not taken actions that have harmed European interests. Officials and analysts expect India to maintain its independent position if the proposed US tariff legislation becomes law.
