Senator Richard Blumenthal urged New Delhi and Beijing to shift away from Russian energy after the US House passed a sweeping Russia sanctions bill.
The United States has stepped up pressure on India and China over their purchases of Russian oil and gas, with Senator Richard Blumenthal warning both countries to find alternative energy suppliers.
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The remarks came after the US House of Representatives passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by a 262-159 vote. The legislation, which had already cleared the Senate, now goes to President Donald Trump for his signature.
The bill would give the US president authority to impose additional tariffs of up to 100% on goods from major purchasers of Russian oil or natural gas under specified conditions. Importantly, the legislation does not automatically impose a 100% tariff on Indian goods.
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Blumenthal Sends Direct Message to India and China
Speaking after the House vote, Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal delivered a pointed message to the two major buyers of Russian energy.
He urged India and China to stop purchasing Russian oil and gas and look for supplies elsewhere.
Blumenthal also argued that continuing to accommodate Moscow was not an effective strategy and said the sanctions should increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine.
His comments underline the increasingly direct pressure being placed on countries that continue substantial energy trade with Russia.
What Does the New US Sanctions Bill Do?
The legislation goes beyond Russian oil purchases.
Among other provisions, it targets:
- Russian officials and financial institutions
- Entities connected with Russia’s energy sector
- Tankers operating as part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”
- Countries purchasing significant quantities of Russian oil or natural gas
The bill also provides a mechanism for the president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the five largest importers of Russian oil or natural gas, subject to conditions contained in the legislation.
The stated objective is to reduce Moscow’s energy revenues and increase economic pressure on Russia over the war in Ukraine.
Why India Is Under Pressure
India has emerged as one of the world’s largest buyers of Russian crude oil since the Russia-Ukraine war began in 2022.
For New Delhi, Russian supplies have become an important component of its broader energy procurement strategy. India’s government has repeatedly argued that its priority is to maintain access to reliable, affordable and secure energy while sourcing crude from different suppliers.
The latest US legislation therefore creates a difficult policy issue for India: maintaining energy security while managing the potential economic consequences of US trade measures.
India’s Response to the US Move
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said New Delhi remains committed to ensuring energy security for its population.
The government said it would continue to source energy from diverse suppliers based on market conditions.
India also indicated that it had previously communicated its concerns to US officials about measures targeting its energy trade with Russia.
According to the MEA, India has clearly conveyed that such measures could have implications for both bilateral relations and international energy markets.
The government also said it would work with trade and industry organisations to assess and address the consequences of the new US legislation.
India Says It Will Protect Its Trade Interests
Alongside its position on energy security, New Delhi signalled that it would take steps to safeguard its economic interests.
The Indian government said it had made clear to Washington that it would consider measures necessary to protect its trade and economic interests.
That response comes as the United States and India continue to manage broader trade and diplomatic negotiations.
Reuters reported that India has warned the new US tariff measures could have consequences for bilateral relations, while Indian refiners are also assessing how potential changes could affect existing crude contracts and costs.
The 100% Tariff Is Not Automatic
One important distinction is being closely watched by markets and businesses.
The legislation does not immediately place a 100% tariff on Indian exports to the United States.
Instead, it gives President Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to that level on major purchasers of Russian energy if the conditions set out in the legislation are met.
This means the immediate development is the creation of a new tariff mechanism and potential exposure, rather than an automatic 100% duty taking effect on Indian goods.
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What Could It Mean for India?
The potential consequences depend on how the Trump administration uses the authority provided by Congress.
Possible areas of impact include:
Trade Relations
Higher US tariffs on Indian exports could increase costs for companies selling goods into the American market and add another point of tension to bilateral trade negotiations.
Energy Costs
If India significantly changes its Russian crude purchases, refiners may need to adjust their sourcing mix depending on global prices, freight costs and availability.
Refining Industry
Indian refiners that process Russian crude could face changes in procurement economics if sanctions or tariffs alter the commercial environment.
US-India Relations
The dispute adds another issue to an already complex relationship involving trade, energy, defence and strategic cooperation.
Reuters reported that Indian officials are concerned that the new measures could strain bilateral ties.
Why Washington Is Targeting Russian Energy Buyers
The US legislation is based on the argument that continued Russian energy exports provide Moscow with revenue that can support its economy and war effort.
Supporters of the bill say pressuring major buyers could reduce Russia’s energy income and increase incentives for Moscow to negotiate.
The legislation also targets vessels associated with the Russian “shadow fleet”, which Washington and its allies view as a mechanism used to keep Russian energy exports moving despite sanctions.
What Happens Next?
The House vote has completed the congressional approval process for the legislation, which now goes to President Trump.
The next significant question is how the administration will use the powers provided by the bill and whether India and China make any changes to their Russian energy purchases.
For India, the immediate focus is likely to remain on balancing energy security, import costs, trade interests and relations with the United States.
US-Russia Sanctions Bill: Key Facts
| Issue | Details | Bill | Lindsey O. |
|---|---|
| Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 | |
| House vote | 262-159 |
| Senate | Previously approved |
| Next step | Presidential approval |
| Maximum potential tariff | Up to 100% |
| Major buyers affected | India, China and other qualifying countries |
| Target | Russian energy revenue |
| Additional targets | Russian officials, financial institutions and shadow-fleet vessels |
| India’s position | Energy security and diversified sourcing |
| India’s response | Protect trade and economic interests |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the US imposing a 100% tariff on India immediately?
No. The legislation gives President Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% under specified conditions. It does not automatically impose a 100% tariff on Indian goods.
Why is the US targeting India over Russian oil?
Washington argues that purchases of Russian energy provide revenue to Moscow. The new legislation is designed to increase economic pressure on Russia and encourage major buyers to reduce their dependence on Russian energy.
What has India said about the bill?
India has said that its energy policy will continue to focus on securing reliable and affordable supplies from diverse sources based on market conditions. It has also said it will take steps to protect its trade and economic interests.
Who is Richard Blumenthal?
Richard Blumenthal is a Democratic US senator who has been one of the lawmakers backing tougher economic pressure on Russia. He issued the warning to India and China following the House vote.
What happens after the House passed the bill?
The legislation now goes to President Donald Trump. The administration would then determine how and whether to use the tariff authority provided by the legislation.
Could the issue affect India-US relations?
Indian officials have warned that measures targeting India’s Russian energy trade could affect bilateral relations. The eventual impact will depend on how the US administration implements the new authorities and how India responds.
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