US President Donald Trump.
US President Donald Trump has now started preparations to directly target those countries which are working to fuel Putin’s war machine by buying Russian oil. The names of India and China are being said to be at the top in this list. In a foreign media report, US Senator Lindsey Graham has said that US President Donald Trump has given the green signal to a bipartisan bill imposing sanctions on Russia, which can be used to put pressure on countries like India, China and Brazil to continue purchasing Russian oil. The proposed bill aims to punish countries that, according to the US, are “fueling Putin’s war machine” by purchasing crude oil from Russia at concessional rates amid the Ukraine war. Although the bill has not yet passed, Graham has indicated that a bipartisan vote on it could take place as early as next week.
Trump gives green signal to Russia sanctions bill
In a post on X on Wednesday (local time), Lindsey Graham said there was a meeting with President Trump today on a variety of issues. He said that Trump has given the green light to the bipartisan Russia sanctions bill, on which I have been working with Senator Blumenthal and many others for months. Graham said the timing of this bill is important because Ukraine is making concessions for peace, while Russia continues military action. Graham wrote that this bill would allow President Trump to punish countries that buy cheap Russian oil that fuels Putin’s war machine. He further said that this will give Trump an opportunity to put “immense pressure” on India, China and Brazil. The senator indicated the bill could be put up for a bipartisan vote as early as next week.
What is the ‘Russia Sanctions Act 2025’?
According to the official website of the US Congress, the title of the bill is “Russia Sanctions Act of 2025”. It proposes comprehensive punitive measures, including penalties, on individuals and entities linked to Russia. One of the key provisions is to increase tariffs on all goods and services imported from Russia to the United States to at least 500 percent of their value.
Trump claims, Prime Minister Modi unhappy
Earlier, Donald Trump had claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unhappy with the high tariffs imposed on Indian goods by the US government due to India’s purchase of Russian oil. Speaking at a meeting of House Republican Party members, Trump said that although his relations with Prime Minister Modi remain cordial, the tariff issue has created some tension. Trump said that I have a very good relationship with Prime Minister Modi, but he is not happy with me because India is paying high tariffs. Trump has also warned that Washington could increase tariffs further if India does not address US concerns over Russian oil imports.
India rejected Trump’s claim
India had earlier rejected Trump’s claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him that New Delhi would stop buying Russian oil. The government clarified that no such talks or commitments had taken place. New Delhi has consistently maintained that its energy-related decisions are based on national interest, especially when fuel prices are volatile in the international market.