US Signs Russia Sanctions Law, Puts 100% Tariffs on India and China
Trump's new sanctions law threatens India and China with 100% tariffs over Russian oil purchases, sparking fears of unchecked presidential power.
President Donald Trump has signed a new law that imposes sanctions on Russia and allows tariffs of up to 100% on countries that buy Russian oil and gas, including India and China [245006][245226]. The law, named the Graham Bill after the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, passed with strong support in Congress and now gives the president sweeping power to punish nations that support Russia's energy trade [243983][245006].
India, the world's third-largest oil importer and one of the biggest buyers of Russian crude, reacted unusually strongly to the bill on Thursday [245074]. Prime Minister Narendra Modi now faces a difficult choice: if India cuts Russian oil imports, it could avoid new US tariffs, but fuel prices may rise before important regional elections, or government finances could come under strain. If India keeps buying Russian oil, its exports to the United States — its largest market — could be badly hurt [245074].
China also pushed back. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Beijing has always opposed "long-arm jurisdiction" after the bill passed [243829]. China and India are among the top five importers of Russian oil and natural gas, making them prime targets under the new law [243983][245006].
The bill passed the US House of Representatives as the first major Russia oil sanctions legislation in two years before heading to Trump's desk [243983]. It introduces an unprecedented range of measures against Moscow and its allies [245226]. However, many Democratic officials voiced concern that it gives Trump the power to impose 100% tariffs on any country without oversight [245226].
It is not yet clear how the tariffs would work or when they might take effect. The White House has not announced a timeline. China and India have not responded publicly to the new measure, though both nations rely heavily on Russian energy imports [245006]. The sanctions add new tension to global trade and could raise costs for businesses and consumers in several countries [245006].
Trump has said the bill sends a clear message. Supporters call it a strong step. Critics warn it could harm relations with key trading partners [245006].