US Senator Warns India, China, Brazil of 'Severe Tariffs' Over Russian Oil Purchases

US Senator Lindsey Graham has issued a stern warning to countries like India, China, and Brazil, all members of BRICS. He cautioned that they could face severe economic sanctions if they continue purchasing discounted Russian oil. Speaking on Fox News, Graham stated, "I would tell China, India & Brazil. If you keep buying cheap Russian oil, to allow this war to continue, we will tariff the hell out of you," emphasising the need for stronger measures to cut off Russia's revenue during the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

Graham's remarks come amid increasing US rhetoric against nations perceived as financially supporting Russia in its war with Ukraine. His statement aligns with broader Republican efforts to pressure US allies and trade partners into economically isolating Moscow. The US is intensifying its focus not only on Russia but also on its trading partners. This move is part of a larger Republican strategy to deplete Putin's war funds and hasten a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, which has persisted for over three years.

Focus on Secondary Tariffs

Former US President Donald Trump echoed this hardline stance while speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office. Trump announced that the US would impose 100 percent "secondary tariffs" on countries continuing to buy Russian oil and gas if Russian President Vladimir Putin does not agree to a peace deal within 50 days. Trump's frustration with Putin was evident as he remarked, "My conversations with him are very pleasant, and then the missiles go off at night."

Trump further elaborated that these tariffs were not an end goal but a means to bring Putin to negotiations. "He's fooled a lot of people," Trump said about Putin, whom he described as a "tough guy." He added that Putin had deceived several past US presidents but not him. "We're going to be doing secondary tariffs," Trump asserted.

Legislative Push for Sanctions

Earlier this year, Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal introduced a bill in Congress proposing stringent sanctions on Russia. The bill suggests imposing tariffs up to 500 percent on countries that continue purchasing Russian energy exports. In a joint statement, the Senators argued that nations like India, China, and Brazil indirectly finance the war by buying heavily discounted Russian oil and gas.

The Senators' statement read: "The ultimate hammer to bring about the end of this war will be tariffs against countries like China, India and Brazil that prop up Putin's war machine by purchasing cheap Russian oil and gas." They emphasised that President Trump's decision to announce 100 percent secondary tariffs is an executive tool aimed at driving parties towards negotiation.

India's Position

India has been a significant buyer of Russian oil since the Ukraine conflict began. The country has defended its stance by citing energy security and economic stability concerns. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar previously mentioned that Indian officials have already engaged with Senator Graham regarding the proposed legislation.

The goal is not more tariffs and sanctions but rather enticing Putin to come to the peace table," their statement added. They also expressed their intention to work with the White House on bipartisan Russia sanctions legislation that would implement up to 500 percent tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas without aiding Ukraine.

The ongoing situation underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play as countries navigate their economic interests amidst global tensions. As discussions continue, it remains crucial for nations involved to balance their strategic priorities while addressing international concerns over Russia's actions in Ukraine.