In a dramatic new tone against nations engaging in energy trade with Russia, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham recently threatened crippling economic consequences for India, China, and Brazil. Graham cautioned during his comments on Fox News that if these nations continue to purchase discounted Russian oil, the United States—under a second Trump administration—would impose 100% or higher tariffs and seek to “crush their economies.”
US Senator Lindsey Graham threatens China, India and Brazil.
“If you keep buying cheap Russian oil, to allow this war to continue, we will tariff the hell out of you and we’re going to crush your economy, because what you are doing is blood money”.
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) July 21, 2025
The Republican senator and close Trump ally stated, “If you keep buying cheap Russian oil, you’re feeding Putin’s war machine. We will tariff the hell out of you and crush your economy—this is blood money.”
These remarks are in line with the broader strategic arguments being put forth by Trump and his allies to isolate Russia economically and apply pressure to its trading partners. Trump had previously stated that upon taking office, he would offer Russia a peace deal in the first 50 days, but if this was not agreed to, he would impose “100% secondary tariffs” against any Country that imported Russian oil or uranium.
Bipartisan Bill Targets Russian Oil Trade
Graham\’s comments come as the U.S. Senate considers the “Sanctioning Russian Energy Act of 2025,” a bipartisan bill that has been co-sponsored with Democrat Richard Blumenthal. This proposed legislation establishes a 500% tariff on oil, gas, and uranium from any country that continues to purchase those products from Russia.
With bipartisan support already in place, this bill may signal a shift in the U.S. economic warfare strategy and further hint at an escalation of enforcement to include even non-NATO parties such as India.
India\’s Role
India has become a substantial importer of Russian crude since the war in Ukraine began. The heavy discounts on Russian crude proved to be too good for India\’s oil demand to ignore. But the U.S. threat and pressure have piled up on India. In fact, there are indications that India has already begun to change the way it trades oil. In early 2025, India imported less crude from Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq, while U.S. oil purchases increased by over 120%.
India has continued to assert that its actions have been primarily dictated by energy security, but the prospect of US sanctions is looming larger in the minds of India\’s foreign policymakers, where new thinking about prior decisions may be underway.
Diplomatic Fallout Looms
Graham\’s plain incitement makes clear that trade policy could very well fully transition into a conduit for foreign policy. India, which now tries to balance links to both the U.S. and Russia, will have to do so in a period of high geopolitical uncertainty without weakening India\’s energy needs or international legitimacy.
