US Senator Warns India, China Over Russian Oil
US Senator Richard Blumenthal has warned India and China to reduce purchases of Russian oil and gas after Congress approved legislation allowing President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian energy. India has responded that its energy policy will continue to prioritise affordability, market conditions and national economic interests.
US Senator Warns India and China Over Russian Oil
Blumenthal, a Democratic senator from Connecticut and co-author of the sanctions legislation, urged India and China to purchase energy from alternative suppliers.
His comments followed passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which is designed to increase economic pressure on Moscow over the Ukraine war.
The House approved the measure by 262-159 after the Senate had earlier passed it 86-11.
Russia Sanctions Bill Allows Tariffs Up to 100%
The legislation authorises Trump to impose additional tariffs of up to 100% on goods from the largest purchasers of Russian oil and natural gas.
India and China are among the countries potentially affected. However, the legislation does not automatically impose a 100% tariff. The final decision would depend on the President exercising the powers provided under the law.
The bill also targets Russian officials, banks and vessels accused of helping Moscow circumvent existing sanctions.
India Defends Russian Oil Purchases
India has reiterated that maintaining affordable and reliable energy supplies remains essential for its large economy and population.
New Delhi said it had already communicated to Washington that additional trade restrictions could affect India-US relations and international energy markets.
The government also said it would take necessary measures to protect India’s trade and economic interests while continuing to diversify energy supplies according to market conditions.
