US Senators Oppose 100% Tariffs On India, China Over Russia Trade: ‘Shooting Itself In The Foot’
News world US Senators Oppose 100% Tariffs On India, China Over Russia Trade: ‘Shooting Itself In The Foot’ US Senators Oppose 100% Tariffs On India
News world US Senators Oppose 100% Tariffs On India, China Over Russia Trade: ‘Shooting Itself In The Foot’ US Senators Oppose 100% Tariffs On India, China Over Russia Trade: ‘Shooting Itself In The Foot’ Published By, Last Updated: August 08, 2026, 07:48 IST Authored by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, the legislation was advanced on July 28 during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to the US Capitol. Rapid Read File image of US President Donald Trump. (Source: Reuters) US Senators Rob Wyden and Rand Paul have opposed proposed 100% tariffs on India and China, cautioning that the measure could harm American interests and strain relations with key partners. The senators raised their objections during a debate on a Russia sanctions bill in the US Senate.
Paul described the proposed tariffs as America “shooting itself in the foot", saying such steep duties could destabilise Washington’s relationship with India. Wyden also opposed the tariff provisions. The comments came as the Senate moved forward with legislation aimed at imposing fresh sanctions on Russia. The bill could expose India and four other countries to 100% tariffs over their continued trade with Moscow. Authored by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, the legislation was advanced on July 28 during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to the US Capitol. The proposed measures could have a significant impact on countries that continue to import Russian energy and other goods, with India among those that could be affected. What Is The Bill About?
The legislation seeks to increase economic pressure on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine. India is the second-largest buyer of Russian crude oil after China. The Senate advanced the bill in a procedural vote of 86-12. It proposes sanctions against Russian officials and authorises steep tariffs on India, China, Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan to reduce their dependence on Russian energy. The bill was introduced in April 2025 and was endorsed by President Donald Trump earlier this year, according to Senator Lindsey Graham, amid ongoing trade tensions between the US and India. The sanctions legislation comes as India’s dependence on Russian energy has risen amid the West Asia war, which has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Iran-US war has also choked off Gulf crude supplies, which previously accounted for roughly 40% of India’s oil imports. Indian refiners have consequently turned to Russian crude as the main alternative source. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location: United States of America (USA) First Published: August 08, 2026, 07:48 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
The BriefWire