US Senate Proposes 100% Tariff Bill on Russian Crude Purchasers

US officials confirmed that proposed legislation led by Senator Lindsey Graham passed the US Senate, authorizing the US executive branch to impose secondary sanctions and up to 100% tariffs on the top purchasers of Russian crude oil. The move directly impacts major importers like India and China amid ongoing international trade and energy market friction.

Since 2022, India has calibrated its energy security strategy by increasing imports of discounted Russian crude, which currently accounts for a substantial portion of its total oil import basket. The US measure seeks to enforce price cap mechanisms and curtail revenue streams supporting Russia's war economy.

Important figures and facts include the proposal of 100% secondary tariffs, the focus on top oil purchasing nations, and the reliance on White House diplomatic waivers. Strategic exemptions and India's bilateral trade volume with the US remain key context points.

This is a major issue for UPSC GS Paper II (International Relations) and GS Paper III (Economy). Expect questions regarding secondary sanctions, energy security, strategic autonomy, and tariff structures under WTO norms.