US President Donald Trump has agreed to a bill that would allow the imposition of import tariffs of up to 500 percent on several countries, including India, for purchasing oil from Russia. If enacted, the legislation would give Washington sweeping authority to take tough economic measures against nations that continue buying Russian oil or uranium, which the bill claims helps finance President Vladimir Putin’s war effort.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, known for his hardline stance on foreign policy, said Trump has given his backing to the bipartisan “Russia sanctions bill,” supported by both Republicans and Democrats. According to Graham, the bill is designed to increase pressure on Russia’s key trading partners, particularly India, China, and Brazil.

The proposal was jointly drafted by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal. It authorizes the Trump administration to impose tariffs of up to 500 percent, along with secondary sanctions, on countries that import Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other commodities. The stated objective is to cut off major financial resources that support Russia’s military operations.

If the so-called “Graham–Blumenthal” bill becomes law, the US president would have the power to levy tariffs as high as 500 percent on goods imported from countries that knowingly continue to buy Russian oil or uranium.

The primary aim of these severe measures is to economically weaken Moscow and force President Putin to come to the negotiating table to end the war in Ukraine.

Senator Graham has indicated that the bill could be put to a vote as early as next week. He argues that the timing is appropriate, noting that Ukraine is making concessions in pursuit of peace and that increased pressure is needed to restrain Russia.

At present, some Indian exports to the United States already face tariffs of up to 50 percent. Of this, 25 percent was imposed earlier due to India’s purchase of Russian oil. If the new bill is approved, these duties could rise sharply, potentially causing significant disruption to trade between the two countries.