US Senators Introduce Bill Seeking 100% Tariffs On India, Others Over Russian Oil Imports

WASHINGTON, July 15: A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has introduced legislation proposing 100 per cent tariffs on imports from India, China, Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan over their continued purchases of Russian oil. History The proposed bill aims to increase economic pressure on Moscow by targeting countries that continue to finance Russia’s energy sector amid the ongoing conflict. If enacted, it would mark the first time the U.S. Congress explicitly authorises tariffs as a geopolitical tool to penalise nations buying Russian energy. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal said the legislation goes beyond tariffs by imposing sweeping sanctions on Russia’s energy, financial and defence sectors, as well as on Russian President Vladimir Putin, business leaders and oligarchs. “The tariffs are narrowly targeted at the five largest purchasers of Russian oil,” Blumenthal said, adding that the measure includes limited waiver provisions. An earlier draft of the legislation had proposed tariffs as high as 500 per cent on countries importing Russian oil and gas. The revised version lowers the tariff to 100 per cent while maintaining broader sanctions against Russia. The bill exempts 15 European countries that continue to import limited quantities of Russian natural gas, with lawmakers arguing those nations are actively reducing their dependence on Russian energy. The legislation was brokered by late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and was unveiled by lawmakers from both parties, who described it as one of his final and most significant legislative initiatives. Republican Senator Katie Britt praised Graham’s efforts in shaping the proposal, while Senator Roger Wicker called it a major contribution to preserving peace in Europe. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen urged Congress to act swiftly on the measure. The proposed legislation comes amid continued U.S. efforts to tighten economic pressure on Russia and follows Washington’s recent trade actions targeting countries accused of maintaining commercial ties with Moscow.