Trump backs bill to impose 500% tariffs on India, other countries

A bipartisan Russia Sanctions Bill approved by US President Donald Trump could allow the United States to impose tariffs of at least 500 percent on countries such as India, China and Brazil that import Russian oil. 

The legislation, drafted by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, is designed to cut off funding for Russia’s war in Ukraine by targeting major buyers of its energy exports.

Graham said the bill would give the president significant leverage to pressure countries to stop purchasing cheap Russian oil, which he described as fueling Russia’s war machine. 

The Sanctioning of Russia Act 2025 (S. 1241) also includes provisions requiring the president to assess every 90 days whether Russia is engaging in peace negotiations or violating agreements, with mandatory sanctions triggered if Moscow is found non-compliant.

Under the proposed legislation, countries knowingly buying Russian oil, gas or uranium could face tariffs of at least 500 percent on imports, directly affecting major energy purchasers including China, India and Brazil. 

Financial institutions and companies outside Russia that aid in energy trade could be subject to secondary sanctions.

The bill would also freeze the assets of Russian officials, block Russian stocks from US exchanges and prohibit US investment in Russia’s energy sector, signaling a tougher approach to economic pressure on Russia and its international partners.