Trump backs Russia sanctions bill that could hit India with 500% tariff

US President Donald Trump has extended support to a new bipartisan sanctions bill targeting countries that continue purchasing Russian oil and gas.

Among the provisions, the bill includes a potential 500% import tariff on India, putting New Delhi’s trade ties with Washington under fresh strain.

The legislation, known as the Sanctioning Supporters of Russia Act, is co-sponsored by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democrat Richard Blumenthal.

It proposes tough economic measures aimed at squeezing Russia’s wartime economy, including massive tariffs on nations engaging with Moscow’s energy exports.

India — which has significantly ramped up Russian crude imports since 2022 — is one of the countries explicitly named in the bill alongside China. If passed, it could subject Indian exports to the US to a 500% tariff, severely affecting bilateral trade.

Trump, when asked about the bill, said, “I’m looking at it very strongly… It’s totally my option.” His backing signals growing bipartisan support in Washington to apply secondary sanctions, not just on Russia, but on its energy trading partners as well.

The bill also includes a national security waiver clause, giving the US President flexibility to delay or exempt enforcement for up to 180 days.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has not yet issued an official statement, but according to diplomatic sources New Delhi is closely watching developments. The Indian embassy in Washington has reportedly reached out to lawmakers to express concern over the proposed penalty.

India is currently the second-largest buyer of Russian energy, after China. In May alone, it imported over €4.2 billion worth of Russian oil, according to EU data.

The proposed sanctions could have significant implications for India–US relations, especially as both countries have recently strengthened defense and technology partnerships.