The US Senate has passed a bipartisan bill that would grant President Donald Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from countries that are major purchasers of Russian oil and gas, with India and China explicitly named as primary targets. The legislation advanced overwhelmingly, signaling strong congressional support for stricter measures against Moscow amid ongoing tensions over its invasion of Ukraine.
Under the bill, the president could levy punitive tariffs on any nation deemed to be a significant importer of Russian energy resources. India and China are among the largest buyers of Russian crude oil and natural gas, having ramped up purchases since Western sanctions were imposed following the 2022 invasion. The measure also extends the Iran Sanctions Act through 2031, tightening restrictions on Tehran.
The proposed tariffs could dramatically reshape global energy trade, forcing major importers to choose between continuing purchases from Russia and facing severe economic penalties when exporting to the US market. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives, where it is expected to face debate but has broad cross-party support.
Supporters argue the tariffs would starve Russia of revenue used to fund its military operations, while critics warn of retaliation and disruptions to supply chains. The White House has not yet signaled whether Trump would implement the full tariff authority if the bill becomes law.