Lagatar24 Desk
Washington: The United States has turned its focus toward India, China, and Brazil after former President Donald Trump gave in-principle approval to a controversial bill proposing punitive tariffs of up to 500 percent on countries importing crude oil from Russia, signaling a tougher American stance amid the Russia-Ukraine war.
Proposed Tariff and Legislative Status
The proposed legislation, which is yet to become law, aims to impose tariffs as high as 500 percent on imports from countries purchasing Russian oil. The bill still requires approval from the US Congress, with voting expected next week. If passed, the measure could have serious consequences for global trade, particularly for India, which currently faces tariffs of up to 50 percent in certain sectors and could see these rise dramatically.
Impact on India, China, and Brazil
Experts warn that such a steep tariff would make it extremely difficult for Indian exporters to sustain their presence in the US market, even though the United States remains India’s largest trading partner. Similar economic pressure is expected on China and Brazil, both major buyers of discounted Russian crude. The proposal is seen as part of Washington’s broader effort to economically isolate Russia and discourage third countries from indirectly supporting Moscow’s war efforts.
US Rationale Behind the Move
US Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the key proponents of the bill, has accused countries buying Russian oil of indirectly financing President Vladimir Putin’s war strategy. In a post on social media platform X, Graham said Trump had endorsed the bill’s objective, which is to penalize nations continuing energy trade with Russia. According to him, India, China, and Brazil would be among the countries most affected if the bill becomes law.
