Archive · 29 Jul 2026
US Bill Targets India, China for Russian Oil Purchases
The US Senate is fast-tracking a bill that could impose up to 100% tariffs on countries buying a lot of Russian oil and gas, especially India and China.
Senator Richard Blumenthal says these countries are helping Russia finance its war in Ukraine.
India, however, says it buys Russian oil because it's affordable and necessary for its energy needs.
The US has already increased tariffs on Indian goods, but India says it hasn't been told to stop buying Russian oil.
The bill is still being discussed and needs final approval.
US Senate fast-tracks bill proposing up to 100% tariffs on major purchasers of Russian oil and gas.
Senator Richard Blumenthal accuses India and China of being the main culprits in sustaining Russia's energy exports.
India maintains its crude purchases are driven by affordability, availability, and national energy security.
US has increased tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, later reduced to 18% in exchange for India halting Russian oil purchases.
Bill aims to impose sanctions on Russian officials, oligarchs, financial institutions, and the shadow fleet used to circumvent restrictions on Russian oil exports.
- Who
- US Senator Richard Blumenthal, Indian government and industry sources, US Senate, Indian refiners.
- What
- A bill proposing up to 100% tariffs on major purchasers of Russian oil and gas, targeting India and China.
- When
- The bill was fast-tracked in 2025, with a procedural vote on February 2.
- Where
- United States and India.
- Why
- To impose sanctions on countries purchasing significant volumes of Russian oil and gas, financing Russia's war in Ukraine.
US Perspective
India's Perspective
Sanctions and Tariffs
US Perspective
The US argues that India and China are the main culprits in sustaining Russia's energy exports, financing the war in Ukraine.
India's Perspective
India maintains that its crude purchases are driven by affordability, availability, and national energy security, not geopolitical considerations.
Impact of Tariffs
US Perspective
The US claims that tariffs have reduced India's purchases of Russian oil by about 50%.
India's Perspective
Indian government and industry sources dispute this, stating that refiners had already placed orders for November loading, and any policy change would only become visible in import data for December or January.
Trade Negotiations
US Perspective
The US has imposed additional tariffs on Indian goods, accusing New Delhi of fueling Putin's war.
India's Perspective
India has consistently defended its energy policy and questioned the inconsistencies in Western sanctions policies.
- Bill Proposal
- Up to 100% tariffs on major purchasers of Russian oil and gas.
- Main Culprits
- India and China, according to US Senator Richard Blumenthal.
- India's Russian Oil Imports
- Increased by about 20% in October to 1.9 million barrels per day.
- US Tariffs on Indian Goods
- Increased to 50% in August 2025, later reduced to 18% in February.
- Legislation Status
- Fast-tracked by a bipartisan group of US senators, awaiting final approval.
