In the ever-evolving world of global geopolitics, the United States has begun wielding its most powerful economic weapon — tariffs. This time, India is squarely in its sights. During a visit to Kyiv, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal issued a stern warning: any country purchasing oil, gas, or petrochemicals from Russia should be hit with a whopping 500% tariff — with India and China named explicitly.
India and China in the Firing Line
Senator Blumenthal didn’t mince words. He claimed India and China together buy up to 70% of Russia’s oil exports, indirectly funding Moscow’s war in Ukraine. As pressure builds to isolate Russia economically, Blumenthal urged the U.S. Senate to impose harsh penalties on those helping to keep Russia’s energy economy alive.
The 500% Tariff Bill in the Pipeline
Alongside Senator Lindsey Graham, Blumenthal is preparing a bill that could impose a 500% tariff on nations continuing trade in Russian oil, gas, or uranium. The proposed measure will be debated in the U.S. Senate in the coming week. According to the senators, these penalties would be enforced if Russia refuses to engage in serious peace talks with Ukraine.
Russia Counters with RIC Revival Plan
In a counter-move, Russia is pushing for the revival of the RIC (Russia-India-China) triangle, which had been inactive since the 2020 Galwan clash between India and China. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that with border tensions easing, now is the ideal time to restart RIC meetings. Moscow sees this group as a way to reinforce its influence in Asia — and to coax India away from Western alliances like the Quad, which Russia views as anti-China.
India’s Balancing Act: Old Ally vs. New Pressure
India now faces a difficult geopolitical dilemma. On one hand, the U.S. is threatening steep economic penalties. On the other, Russia remains a long-standing strategic ally and major defense partner. India has continued purchasing Russian oil despite Western pressure, defending its right to make sovereign economic decisions based on national interest.
Strategic Autonomy Still the Cornerstone
India’s foreign policy has consistently emphasized strategic autonomy — the right to maintain independence in its decision-making. While the U.S. continues to apply pressure through diplomacy and now economic threats, India has so far refused to bend. It continues to import discounted Russian oil to meet domestic energy demands.
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