By Khabar Rojana 
In a major move, US President Donald Trump has given his nod to the bipartisan Graham-Blumenthal Russia Sanctions Bill, which could allow the United States to impose up to 500% tariffs on countries, including India, China, and Brazil, that continue to purchase Russian oil or uranium.
The bill, championed by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, aims to cut off funding for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war machine by targeting nations knowingly trading with Moscow. If passed, it would empower the US President to levy steep tariffs and secondary sanctions on any country seen as aiding Russia’s military financially.
“This comes at a critical time as Ukraine makes concessions for peace, but Putin continues the war,” said Senator Graham after meeting Trump at the White House. A White House official also confirmed Trump’s support for the bill, which has been in development for months.
The legislation has strong backing in the Senate and a companion bill in the House, authored by Republican Representative Brian Fitzpatrick. While details of any last-minute revisions remain unclear, the bill could see a Senate vote soon, though timing may depend on the ongoing discussion around the government funding package and the upcoming Senate recess for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The Graham-Blumenthal sanctions bill is designed to strategically pressure Moscow by economically isolating countries that continue to purchase Russian energy exports. Trump’s approval signals a more aggressive US stance toward nations trading with Russia, even as the administration continues to negotiate for a resolution to the nearly four-year-long war in Ukraine.
For India, which has steadily imported Russian oil, this development could have significant diplomatic and economic implications, potentially affecting trade relations and energy costs.
Shalu Shalu