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100% tariffs: Why India may ignore Trump threat and continue buying Russian oil
India🏛️ PoliticsConservative11 days ago

100% tariffs: Why India may ignore Trump threat and continue buying Russian oil

The article discusses potential U.S. tariffs on Indian imports of Russian crude oil under a proposed sanctions bill. On August 5, 2025, former President Donald Trump introduced 25% penal tariffs on India for purchasing Russian oil, which were later increased to up to 100% under a new bill. Despite these threats, India continued importing Russian oil, leading to a reduction in purchases due to U.S. sanctions on certain Russian firms. In February 2026, an interim trade deal between India and the U.S. reduced tariffs to 25%. The proposed 'Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026' would allow the U.S. president to impose up to 100% tariffs on countries importing significant amounts of Russian energy. The bill includes provisions for reviewing top importers every 180 days and offering exemptions to those reducing reliance on Russian energy. India is among the top five importers of Russian energy, raising concerns over future tariffs.

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.

5 reports

The Hindu logoThe HinduIndependentConservativeFactual 95Objective 9011 days ago
RSS’s economic wing urges Centre to resist U.S. tariff pressure

The Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), the economic arm of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), has called on the Indian government to resist U.S. pressure to impose tariffs on countries purchasing Russian crude oil. In response to U.S. Senate legislation that allows the president to impose up to 100% tariffs on such purchases, the SJM emphasized India's sovereignty in energy decisions and criticized the potential impact on free trade. The organization linked the proposed tariffs to broader India-U.S. trade talks, advocating for equality and mutual respect. It also expressed concerns over recent policy changes affecting foreign investment in e-commerce and merchant discount rates on UPI transactions, suggesting these could favor U.S. companies. The SJM urged the government to reconsider these policies and called for a boycott of American products and services.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the SJM's stance as a defense of India's economic sovereignty against U.S. influence, using strong language against U.S. interventionism. It emphasizes protectionist policies and criticizes U.S. trade practices, aligning with right-wing nationalist sentiments. The call for boycotť

Why factuality (95): The article accurately reports the stance of the RSS’s economic wing, Swadeshi Jagaran Manch (SJM), regarding the U.S. tariff proposal targeting countries purchasing Russian oil. It includes direct quotes from Ashwani Mahajan, the SJM National Co-Convener, and provides context about India’s rational

Why objectivity (90): The article maintains a largely neutral tone, presenting the SJM’s position without overt bias. However, it uses phrases like 'threat to free trade' and 'sovereign right,' which may subtly frame the issue in favor of India’s position. Overall, it remains balanced and avoids strong emotional language

Scroll.in logoScroll.inIndependentConservativeFactual 90Objective 8516 days ago
US Senate passes bill to slap 100% tariffs on India, four others for buying Russian oil

The U.S. Senate passed a bill that would impose up to 500% tariffs on Russian energy exports and 100% tariffs on five major importers, including India and China, for purchasing Russian oil. The legislation, named after Senator Lindsey Graham, aims to cut off financial support for Russia's war efforts in Ukraine. The bill received bipartisan support with an 86-11 vote and will now go to the House of Representatives, though it is unlikely to be considered before September due to the congressional summer recess. The move comes amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and India, which has continued to buy Russian oil despite sanctions. The Trump administration previously imposed punitive tariffs on India for such purchases, but these were later removed following a trade agreement.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the U.S. actions as a necessary and justified response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, emphasizing the economic impact on Russia and portraying India's continued purchases of Russian oil as problematic. The language suggests a strong American stance against Russia and portrays U.

Why factuality (90): The article accurately summarizes the Senate passage of the bill targeting Russia and its energy buyers, including India and China. It correctly states the 86-11 vote, the name of the bill, and the potential for 100% tariffs. It also references past actions by the Trump administration and quotes Jim

Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a largely neutral tone, presenting facts without overtly biased language. It includes direct quotes from officials and avoids strong editorializing. However, phrases like 'could finally bring Russia to the negotiating table' suggest a hopeful outlook, which might subtly influen

Hindustan Times logoHindustan TimesIndependentConservativeFactual 90Objective 7512 days ago
RSS wing seeks bans, boycott of US firms for tariffs over Russian oil purchase

The Swadeshi Jagaran Manch (SJM), representing the ideological influence of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), criticized U.S. Senate legislation that allows President Donald Trump to impose up to 100% tariffs on countries purchasing significant amounts of Russian oil. The SJM called on the Indian government to resist these measures and urged citizens to boycott U.S. technology and social media firms. The legislation targets several countries, including India, but excludes U.S. European allies. The SJM emphasized India's sovereign right to choose its energy suppliers and warned that such tariffs could undermine international trade principles and geopolitical autonomy. They noted that India has increasingly purchased Russian oil due to factors like energy security and cost, and highlighted past instances of similar tariff threats under Trump's administration.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the SJM's stance as a defense of India's sovereignty against U.S. economic pressure, using language that emphasizes resistance to 'unilateral economic coercion' and 'geopolitical coercion.' While the issue itself involves international trade and foreign policy, the framing leans右翼

Why factuality (90): This article accurately conveys the SJM’s criticism of the U.S. tariff proposal and their support for India’s energy purchases from Russia. It includes relevant details about the U.S. Senate legislation and mentions the potential for a boycott of U.S. firms. However, it adds specific calls for a 'un

Why objectivity (75): The article leans slightly toward the SJM’s perspective by emphasizing the call for a boycott of U.S. firms and using more assertive language such as 'urged the Indian government to stand firm.' This framing may give the impression of supporting the SJM’s position more strongly than necessary, reduc

Times of India logoTimes of IndiaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 7018 days ago
100% tariffs: Why India may ignore Trump threat and continue buying Russian oil

The article discusses potential U.S. tariffs on Indian imports of Russian crude oil under a proposed sanctions bill. On August 5, 2025, former President Donald Trump introduced 25% penal tariffs on India for purchasing Russian oil, which were later increased to up to 100% under a new bill. Despite these threats, India continued importing Russian oil, leading to a reduction in purchases due to U.S. sanctions on certain Russian firms. In February 2026, an interim trade deal between India and the U.S. reduced tariffs to 25%. The proposed 'Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026' would allow the U.S. president to impose up to 100% tariffs on countries importing significant amounts of Russian energy. The bill includes provisions for reviewing top importers every 180 days and offering exemptions to those reducing reliance on Russian energy. India is among the top five importers of Russian energy, raising concerns over future tariffs.

Bias read (Center): The article presents information about potential U.S. tariffs on Indian-Russian oil trade without overtly favoring either side. It reports on the development of the proposed sanctions bill, the historical context of previous tariffs, and India's continued procurement of Russian oil despite these lev

Why factuality (85): The article reports on the potential increase of U.S. tariffs on Indian imports of Russian crude oil, citing specific dates and policy changes. It references the Trump administration's actions, including the initial 25% penal tariffs, subsequent reductions, and the proposed Russia Sanctions Bill. Wh

Why objectivity (70): The article presents a narrative suggesting that India continues to purchase Russian oil despite U.S. threats, implying a stance of defiance. The tone leans toward highlighting the tension between India and the U.S., with a focus on India's continued procurement. There is a subtle bias in emphasizin

Times of India logoTimes of IndiaIndependentConservativeFactual 75Objective 6515 days ago
Trump shoots from Senate shoulders to punish Russia, by making India and China pay

The U.S. Senate passed a bill allowing President Trump to impose 100% tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil or natural gas, including India and China. The legislation, named after late Senator Lindsey Graham, aims to target Russia-related activities and is seen as a more aggressive use of economic leverage compared to previous tariffs. While earlier tariffs were justified on trade deficit or unfair practices grounds, this one focuses on geopolitical considerations. India, which had previously faced tariffs for buying Russian oil, now faces potential renewed threats under the new law. The bill includes provisions for national interest waivers and exemptions for allies reducing reliance on Russian energy.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the new legislation as a powerful tool for exerting geopolitical pressure, emphasizing the 'muscular' and 'explosive' use of American market power. It highlights the potential threat to India and China, portraying the U.S. as leveraging economic tools for strategic purposes. The '

Why factuality (75): The article accurately reports the Senate passing a bill allowing Trump to impose 100% tariffs on major Russian energy buyers, including India and China. It mentions the 86-11 vote and references the Graham bill. However, it includes speculative commentary such as 'Trump’s tariff menu' and 'Tariff h

Why objectivity (65): The article uses metaphorical language ('tariff hee tariff') and frames the situation with a somewhat dismissive tone toward India's position. It also includes subjective comparisons like 'like a Washington restaurant,' which may imply bias. While it presents facts neutrally, the overall tone leans

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