Winning Bizness Desk

Mumbai. The United States has issued a sharp warning to nations maintaining trade ties with Russia, with President Donald Trump declaring that severe tariffs and secondary sanctions are being drafted to pressure Moscow over the ongoing Ukraine conflict. His remarks come at a time when India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in Moscow for high-level talks, adding diplomatic weight to the moment.

Growing Pressure On Russia-Trading Nations

Trump said his administration, along with Republican leaders in Congress, is preparing a legal framework that would impose strict penalties on countries continuing business with Russia or Iran. He specifically pointed out that India is already facing a 50 percent tariff imposed earlier this year, with 25 percent of it being a penalty linked to New Delhi’s continued import of Russian oil.

Key proposals emerging in Washington include:

• A bill proposing 500 percent tariff on nations buying and reselling Russian oil
• Secondary sanctions targeting countries supporting Russia’s wartime economy
• Focus on restricting trade channels that enable Moscow amid the Ukraine war
• Bipartisan support, with 85 out of 100 senators backing the proposed bill
• India being flagged as a major Russian crude buyer despite US objections

500 Percent Tariff Proposed On Russian Oil Buyers

A new bill introduced by Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal seeks to enforce an extremely high tariff on countries that purchase Russian oil and then sell it further. Named the Sanctioning Russia Act 2025, the legislation has received overwhelming Senate support. The act calls for strict action on all nations helping Russia generate revenue during the Ukraine war.

This move directly affects India, one of the world’s largest buyers of Russian crude. The Biden administration earlier criticized India’s energy trade with Russia, and now the Trump administration is hardening its stance through tariff-linked penalties and trade pressure.

Jaishankar Says India-Russia Ties Benefit Global Stability

As tensions rise with Washington, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Tuesday. He highlighted that India-Russia relations have played a stabilising role in global affairs for decades. He said both nations see their partnership as mutually beneficial and helpful for the world’s broader strategic balance.

He also indicated that several bilateral pacts, joint projects and fresh initiatives are under final discussion between the two countries.

• Upcoming agreements in energy and defence
• New cooperation in space, science and investments
• Structured dialogue on Ukraine conflict and West Asia tensions
• Preparations for the next India-Russia summit in New Delhi
• India reaffirming long-term partnership despite global pressure

New Pacts And Projects In Final Discussion Stage

Jaishankar said discussions across sectors such as energy, trade, space research and defence cooperation are close to finalisation. He added that both sides continue to assess global flashpoints including Ukraine, Afghanistan and West Asia with an open and strategic approach. His Moscow visit also aims to prepare for the 23rd Annual India-Russia Summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin.

Trump Links Tariff Cuts To Reduced Russian Oil Imports

Trump recently stated that tariffs on India could be reduced because the country has cut its Russian crude imports for December deliveries. He said India and the US are close to finalising a new trade agreement and hinted at phased tariff relaxation if India continues curbing Russian oil purchases.

However, a Bloomberg report suggested the reduction was driven by Indian refiners not placing new orders for December, with major companies like Reliance, BPCL, HPCL and MRPL opting out. Only IOC and Nayara Energy have continued orders for Russian crude.

India Among Biggest Buyers Of Russian Fossil Fuels

Despite December cuts, India imported 2.5 billion dollars worth of Russian crude in October, becoming the second-largest buyer globally. China remains the top buyer.

• India’s Russian fossil fuel imports reached 3.1 billion dollars in October
• China imported 5.8 billion dollars worth of Russian fossil fuels
• India bought 351 million dollars worth of Russian coal
• Oil product imports from Russia were valued at 222 million dollars