'Will tariff the hell out of you': Trump aide warns India, China over Russian oil imports

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Shailesh Khanduri
New Update
Lindsey Graham India

US Senator Lindsey Graham (File image)

New Delhi: US Senator Lindsey Graham issued a sharp warning to India, China, and Brazil, member countries of BRICS, threatening severe economic sanctions if they continue purchasing discounted Russian oil amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

Speaking on Fox News, Graham said the US would "tariff the hell out of" these nations and "crush your economy" to cut off financial support to Russia's war efforts. He characterised the purchase of Russian oil as "blood money" fueling the war.

Graham's aggressive stance aligns with Republican calls in the US for stringent measures to isolate Moscow economically.

Former President Donald Trump echoed this hardline approach, announcing plans to impose 100 per cent "secondary tariffs" on countries buying Russian oil and gas if Russian President Vladimir Putin does not agree to a peace deal within 50 days. Trump described these tariffs as “the ultimate hammer” to end the war by pressuring countries that help sustain Putin’s war machine.

The proposed legislation discussed by Senator Graham suggests tariffs could escalate up to 500 per cent on those importing Russian energy without supporting Ukraine, potentially affecting key economies such as India, which has become a major buyer of Russian oil since the war began.

India on Russia oil imports

India has defended its oil imports as necessary for energy security and economic stability. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has been in dialogue with Senator Graham regarding the proposed sanctions.

India's reliance on Russian crude has increased substantially since February 2022, accounting for over 35% of India’s oil imports in 2023, playing a role in stabilising global crude markets and helping control fuel prices domestically. Despite Western pressure, India maintains that its energy strategy balances global diplomacy with urgent national needs.

India Russia Ukraine China USA Brics Russian oil Donald Trump India buying Russian oil US on banning import of Russian oil Russian oil imports Lindsey Graham