RSS wing seeks bans, boycott of US firms for tariffs over Russian oil purchase

The U.S. Senate on Friday passed a bill granting President Donald Trump authority to impose 100% tariffs on the five largest importers of Russian oil and gas, including India and China. The legislation, known as the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, received an 86-11 vote and aims to cut off financial support for Russia’s military operations in Ukraine. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives, though it is unlikely to be considered until after the summer recess ends in September. The legislation includes provisions to penalize countries that continue to purchase Russian energy, effectively using economic pressure to influence global energy markets. The bill also targets Russian banks, officials, and entities linked to the shadow fleet of tankers facilitating Russian oil exports. It builds upon existing sanctions and adds a new layer of economic leverage aimed at curbing Moscow’s access to revenue generated from its energy sales. The bill is named after late Senator Lindsey Graham, who championed the initiative before his death on July 11. His colleagues in the Senate emphasized that the measure could compel Russia to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. According to Jim Risch, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the legislation would disrupt the funding stream sustaining President Vladimir Putin’s military efforts. Diplomatic tensions have simmered between the U.S. and India over New Delhi’s continued procurement of Russian crude. In August 2025, Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods due to its reliance on Russian oil, raising the total tariff on many Indian imports to 50%. However, in February 2026, following an interim trade agreement between the two nations, Trump rescinded the extra 25% levy. Despite this, the new legislation introduces a potential 100% tariff, which could be applied at the president’s discretion. India has consistently maintained that its energy strategy is driven by commercial considerations, emphasizing the need for stable prices and reliable supply chains. New Delhi has highlighted that Russian oil plays a crucial role in meeting domestic energy demands, especially during periods of disruption in traditional supply routes. Recent data indicates that India imported approximately $14.6 billion worth of Russian oil between March and May, underscoring the nation’s reliance on Russian crude. Reacting to the U.S. Senate’s move, the Swadeshi Jagaran Manch (SJM), the economic wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), urged the Indian government to resist U.S. pressure and uphold its energy policy. SJM emphasized that India’s decision to purchase Russian oil is based on energy security, availability, pricing, and consumer interests, and should not be dictated by external pressures. The organization criticized the proposed tariffs as a threat to free trade and warned of potential negative impacts on Indian exporters and consumers. SJM also called for a boycott of American products and services, starting with brands like Pepsi and Coke, as well as social media and e-commerce platforms owned by U.S. companies. The group further urged the Indian government to reconsider recent policy changes related to foreign investment in e-commerce and the proposed framework for levying merchant discount rates on UPI transactions, claiming these measures favor U.S. interests at the expense of Indian businesses. As the U.S. legislative process unfolds, the implications of the new bill remain uncertain. While the legislation provides a legal framework for imposing stringent tariffs, it also includes provisions allowing for national-interest waivers and exemptions for countries that take steps to reduce their dependence on Russian energy. This flexibility may offer some leeway for India and other targeted nations, although the ultimate enforcement of the tariffs will depend on the administration’s priorities and geopolitical dynamics.