Now Reading: US Senate bill allows 100% tariffs on India over Russian oil
-
01
US Senate bill allows 100% tariffs on India over Russian oil
The US Senate has passed a bill that could let President Donald Trump impose 100% tariffs on countries that are top five importers of Russian oil and gas, currently India, China, Azerbaijan,…
The Story in Brief
The US Senate has passed a bill that could let President Donald Trump impose 100% tariffs on countries that are top five importers of Russian oil and gas, currently India, China, Azerbaijan, Hungary and Slovakia. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, named after the late Republican senator who died in July, passed 86-11. It also extends Iran sanctions till 2031. Democrats have criticised the bill for handing Trump unchecked tariff powers, calling it a trade-war weapon.
Times Now reports the legislation could complicate ongoing India-US trade talks. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said both sides had done substantial work on an interim deal but some issues remained. White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett declined to comment on whether the bill would affect negotiations, saying it was “up to the negotiators”. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives when it reconvenes on August 31.
The Indian Opinion
A familiar script is playing out: the US brandishes a stick, and commentators predict either an Indian climbdown or a trade war. Neither is certain. The bill still needs House passage, and even President Trump may hesitate to slap tariffs on a partner he courts as a China counterweight. India buys Russian oil for price and security, not ideology. The real test: will New Delhi quietly diversify its imports, or call Washington’s bluff? Watch how the interim trade deal proceeds, if at all.
Sources (2): deccanherald.com, timesnownews.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
