WASHINGTON, DC – Amid intensifying global efforts to isolate Moscow over its war in Ukraine, India is facing mounting pressure from Western powers over its continued imports of Russian oil. Following fresh European Union sanctions on an Indian refinery, US Senator Lindsey Graham has warned of steep tariffs if New Delhi does not curtail its energy trade with Russia.

Graham, a Republican senator and key Trump ally, said a future Trump administration would impose a 100 percent tariff on oil-linked imports from countries such as India, China, and Brazil. Speaking to Fox News, he accused these nations of bankrolling Russia’s military campaign through continued crude purchases.

“Trump is going to impose tariffs on people that buy Russian oil – China, India, and Brazil,” Graham said. “If you keep buying cheap Russian oil to allow this war to continue, we’re going to tear up the hell out of you, and we’re going to crush your economy.”

He claimed that the three countries together account for nearly 80 percent of Russia’s crude exports, a key source of funding for President Vladimir Putin’s war efforts. Graham has already introduced legislation seeking 500 percent tariffs on goods from nations continuing trade ties with Moscow.

“What you are doing is blood money,” he added, addressing India, China, and Brazil directly. “Putin is not going to stop until somebody makes him stop.”

India, which has defended its energy purchases as being guided by market realities and national interest, has also rejected what it calls Western hypocrisy on the issue. “In this endeavor, we are guided by what is on offer in the markets and by prevailing global circumstances,” India said in response. “We would particularly caution against any double standards on the matter.”

Adding to the diplomatic pressure, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has also warned India of possible secondary sanctions. “Please make the phone call to Vladimir Putin and tell him that he has to get serious about peace talks,” he said. “Otherwise this will slam back on Brazil, on India, and on China in a massive way.”

The warnings come days after the European Union sanctioned Nayara Energy’s Vadinar refinery in Gujarat, citing its ties to Russia’s state-run oil giant Rosneft, which owns a 49.1 percent stake. The move marks the first time the EU has targeted an Indian company over its Russian connections.

Nayara Energy, which operates one of India’s largest private refineries and relies heavily on exports, could now face disruption in key overseas markets, particularly in Africa.

India’s strategic balancing act between its traditional partners in the West and energy ties with Moscow is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain, as global scrutiny and trade threats grow louder.

@ India-West News Desk