Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Graham Bill Exposes American Power’s Double Standards, Columnist Argues
The Graham Bill would punish India and China for buying oil from Russia.
Pratap Bhanu Mehta says this is unfair because those countries did not start the wars involved.
He argues that the United States is trying to control other countries while failing to hold its own president accountable.
He points to the war in Iran, which he says is unpopular and has disrupted the global economy.
Mehta says Congress is acting more forcefully against foreign countries than against the American executive.
He also criticizes an exemption for United States imports of low-enriched uranium while poorer countries face rising energy costs.
He believes sanctions may not change the choices of large countries such as India and China.
He calls on India to protect its strategic independence rather than make concessions to Washington.
The Graham Bill targets India and China over oil purchases from Russia.
Pratap Bhanu Mehta calls the measure an example of American imperial privilege and selective morality.
He argues that the United States is punishing countries uninvolved in the wars while avoiding accountability for its own conduct.
The column criticizes Congress for preserving exemptions for United States imports of low-enriched uranium while poorer countries face higher energy costs.
Mehta urges India to defend strategic autonomy instead of making concessions to avoid Washington’s displeasure.
- Who
- The Graham Bill, the United States Congress, India, China, Russia, and Pratap Bhanu Mehta are central to the column.
- What
- The column criticizes a bill targeting India and China for purchasing Russian oil and argues that it reflects selective application of international morality.
- Where
- The issue concerns United States foreign policy and its effects on India, China, Russia, Iran, Ukraine, and the wider region.
- Why
- According to Mehta, the bill seeks to pressure India and China over Russian oil purchases while shielding United States conduct from comparable accountability.
- Subject
- The Graham Bill targeting India and China over oil purchases from Russia
- Author
- Pratap Bhanu Mehta, contributing editor at The Indian Express
- Main criticism
- The measure is described as selective enforcement of international morality and an expression of American imperial privilege.
- Congressional conduct
- Mehta argues that Congress is disciplining other countries more readily than holding the United States executive accountable.
- Trade exemption
- The bill seeks to preserve exemptions for United States imports of low-enriched uranium, according to the column.
- Economic concern
- The article says poorer countries could face rising energy costs from the restrictions.
- Recommended Indian approach
- Mehta advocates strategic autonomy rather than tactical concessions to avoid United States pressure.