'Will Crush Your Economy': US Senator Warns India, China Of 100% Tariffs For Backing Russian Oil Trade

US Senator Lindsey Graham has warned that President Donald Trump will impose massive tariffs on countries like India, China, and Brazil, among other BRIC members, if they "keep buying cheap Russian oil".

The Republican lawmaker said that Trump administration is considering to impose a 100 percent tariff on oil-related imports, which he said were contributing towards Russian President Vladimir Putin's campaign against Ukraine.

"Trump is going to impose tariffs on people that buy Russian oil - China, India, and Brazil... Here's what I would tell China, India and Brazil: 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," Graham said during an interview with Fox News.

Graham's warning came as US continues to build pressure on countries that are being viewed as financial backers of Russia during its war with Ukraine. It is also pressurising its own allies and trade partners to isolate Russia economically.

US Senators Graham and Richard Blumenthal had earlier proposed a bill for 500 per cent tariffs on goods from countries indulging in trade with Russia, including India and China. He said three countries contribute to around 80 per cent of Russia's crude exports, which he claimed keeps "Putin's war machine going."

"What you (India, China and Brazil) are doing is blood money...He's (Putin) not going to stop until somebody makes him stop," Graham said.

"We'll continue to push for Senator Graham & my Russia Sanctions bill with even tougher penalties to deter India, China, Brazil & others from fueling Putin's war machine. Congressional action sends a powerful message of support," Senator Blumenthal, who belongs to a different political party, posted on X.

In a direct warning to Russia, Graham said, "The game has changed when it comes to you, President Putin. You have played President Trump at your own peril. You made a major league mistake, and your economy is going to continue to be crushed."

Graham also claimed that Putin was trying to recreate the former Soviet Union by "invading countries that do not belong to him". "Putin wants to take countries that are not his. In the mid-90s, Ukraine gave up 1,700 nuclear weapons with a promise that its sovereignty would be respected by Russia. Putin broke that promise," the Republican added.

The Senators had also released a joint statement arguing that countries like India, China, and Brazil are indirectly helping Russia finance the war by buying heavily discounted oil and gas from it.

India's Stance On Previous Tariff Threats

Meanwhile, India, a major buyer of oil from Russia since the Ukraine conflict began, has maintained its stance on the matter, citing energy security and economic stability. EAM Jaishankar had also said that India is already in touch with Graham over the proposed bill.

Last week, India responded to NATO chief Mark Rutte over his remarks regarding possible sanctions on India over trade with Russia, cautioning against "double standards". India stressed that it will take a decision that suits the interests of its people. 

"We have seen reports on the subject and are closely following the developments. Let me reiterate that securing the energy needs of our people is understandably an overriding priority for us," the External Affairs Ministry said.

"In this endeavour, we are guided by what is on offer in the markets and by prevailing global circumstances. We would particularly caution against any double standards on the matter," it added.

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