Trump shoots from Senate shoulders to punish Russia, by making India and China pay
The US Senate has passed a bill that would allow the President to impose 100% tariffs on countries that purchase Russian oil or natural gas. This legislation specifically targets major economies like India and China, marking a shift toward using secondary sanctions as a tool of economic policy.
Why it matters
This represents a significant escalation in US trade policy, potentially disrupting global energy markets and straining diplomatic relations with key strategic partners.
TOI correspondant from Washington: The US Senate on Friday approved a bill that will allow President Trump to impose 100% tariffs on the world's top five purchasers of Russian oil or natural gas, including India, China, and Turkey.The legislation also targets countries helping Russia evade energy sanctions, Russian banks, officials, and so-called oligarchs and shadow fleet of tankers.By an overwhelming 86-11 vote, senators approved the Graham bill, formally the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, a sweeping legislation named for the late Republican Senator, war hawk, and staunch Ukraine supporter, who died July 11.
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