Trump Signals Support for 500% Tariffs on India Over Russian Trade

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his support for a bill that could impose import tariffs of up to 500% on several countries, including India, for purchasing oil and uranium from Russia. If passed, the bill would empower the United States to take severe economic measures against nations accused of bolstering President Vladimir Putin’s war capabilities through trade.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, known for his hawkish foreign policy stance, confirmed that Trump has agreed to the bipartisan "Russia Sanctions Bill." The primary objective of this legislation is to exert pressure on Russia’s major trading partners, specifically India, China, and Brazil.

The bill, jointly authored by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democrat Senator Richard Blumenthal, grants the Trump administration the authority to impose secondary sanctions and massive tariffs on countries importing Russian oil, gas, and uranium. The U.S. maintains that these exports provide the bulk of the funding for Russia’s military operations.

Once enacted, the law would allow the U.S. to slap heavy duties on products from countries that knowingly continue to purchase Russian energy. Senator Graham indicated that a vote on the bill could take place as early as next week.

Currently, India already pays nearly 50% tariffs on certain exports to the U.S., partially due to its continued purchase of Russian oil. Experts fear that if the new bill becomes law, these tariffs could multiply, causing a significant disruption in India-U.S. trade relations.