US President Donald Trump has endorsed a bipartisan sanctions bill that could impose tariffs of up to 500% on countries continuing to buy Russian oil, sharply escalating pressure on major importers such as India and China as Washington seeks leverage in Ukraine peace negotiations.
The proposed Sanctioning of Russia Act of 2025, backed by more than 80 senators and led by Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, would grant the US president sweeping authority to penalise nations trading in Russian-origin oil or uranium. The bill also includes secondary sanctions on banks, asset freezes for Russian-linked firms, visa restrictions on officials, and bans on certain US financial and energy dealings.
India faces particular scrutiny. The world’s third-largest oil importer has purchased an estimated €144 billion worth of Russian crude since the Ukraine war began, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. Although Indian imports from Russia have recently declined, New Delhi still sources roughly 35 – 40% of its crude from Moscow. India is already subject to 50% US tariffs on select goods, partly linked to Russian oil purchases.
Senator Graham said the move reflects frustration over stalled peace talks, arguing Ukraine has made concessions while Russia has delayed negotiations. Trump has warned that tariffs would rise “very quickly” for non-compliant nations.
For India, the bill raises risks for exports and ongoing US-India trade discussions. Officials are lobbying Washington while diversifying energy supplies, walking a delicate line between economic needs and geopolitical pressures as the legislation moves closer to a congressional vote.
