US Senator Richard Blumenthal has thrown his support behind a tough new sanctions bill that could impose massive tariffs on countries like India and China for purchasing Russian oil and petroleum products. The bill, which proposes a 500% tariff, is aimed at penalizing nations that continue to do energy business with Moscow amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Blumenthal Calls for “Bone-Crushing Penalties”
Speaking from Rome after meetings with European leaders, Senator Blumenthal posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) expressing admiration for Europe’s unified stance against Russia.
“Here in Rome having just met with all the European heads of state, I am so deeply inspired by their commitment to the cause of freedom in Ukraine… and for our Russia sanctions bill that imposes bone-crushing penalties on China and India for buying Russian oil and fuelling their war machine,” said Blumenthal.
The Connecticut senator, a Democrat, has joined forces with Republican Senator Lindsey Graham to introduce the bipartisan bill in the US Senate.
What the Russia Sanctions Bill Proposes
- A 500% tariff on countries importing Russian oil, gas, and refined petroleum products
- Applies to India, China, and others that maintain trade ties with Russia’s energy sector
- Gives the US President limited authority to waive the sanctions twice for six months
The bill was introduced in April and has gained renewed attention after former President Donald Trump expressed support as a potential tool to push Russia toward peace negotiations in Ukraine.
Impact on US-India Trade Relations
The timing of the bill is delicate. The United States and India are currently negotiating a new trade agreement, which could lay the foundation for a more comprehensive bilateral trade deal.
“The main reason why this is worrisome is because Congressional sanctions can override existing trade deals… The hope for India is that with a mini deal in place, the USTR will have some flexibility,” said Prerna Bountra, Deputy Director at the Ananta Aspen Centre.
Diplomatic Pushback and Lobbying Efforts
According to Bountra, while the bill has support from 84 Senators, it has just 33 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives, giving India some breathing room to lobby against the sanctions.
“The battle isn’t yet lost for India even though there is an uphill climb ahead,” she noted.
“Our diplomats will have to lobby representatives who aren’t even expected back in DC till a few days before Congress resumes.”
What This Means for India
If passed, this sanctions bill could place significant pressure on India’s oil imports from Russia, which have grown since the Ukraine war began. The move may complicate US-India trade talks, especially if Congressional approval overrides bilateral negotiations.
While India has positioned its Russian energy imports as a matter of national energy security, the US Senate may see continued trade as a way of undermining Western efforts to isolate Moscow.
Key Takeaways
- US Senator Richard Blumenthal supports a bill imposing 500% tariffs on India and China for Russian oil trade.
- The bill is bipartisan and has been co-sponsored by Lindsey Graham.
- It threatens to disrupt ongoing US-India trade negotiations.
- Indian officials are actively engaging US lawmakers to express their concerns.
- The bill allows limited waivers that could be used by a future president.
