Indian television station NDTV reported on July 15 that the new version of the sanctions bill against Russia, introduced by members of both parties in the U.S. Congress on July 14, significantly 'eased' the previous version. The new bill reduces the tariff ceiling imposed on countries that import Russian energy from 500% to a maximum of 100%, and includes additional exemptions. 'For India, this is good news,' NDTV stated.
According to NDTV, this bill was originally proposed by the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal in 2025. The purpose of the bill is to increase economic pressure on Russia, aiming to force it to end the Russo-Ukrainian conflict.
The bill originally proposed to impose a uniform tariff of up to 500% on countries that continue to import Russian oil and natural gas.
The report indicates that the new bill has made several adjustments. Of particular concern is that the punitive tariff rates for Russia’s top five energy buyers have been reduced from 500% to 100%.
Meanwhile, the bill also introduces an exemption mechanism: countries that import no more than 15% of Russian natural gas and are taking substantial measures to reduce imports may be exempt from relevant tariffs. This means that countries such as Japan, France, Hungary, and Belgium are likely to receive exemptions.
The new bill also includes a provision that allows U.S. President Trump to waive the aforementioned sanctions if he deems it to be in the national interest.
According to data cited by NDTV, China, India, Slovakia, Hungary, and Azerbaijan are the five major importers of Russian crude oil. China, France, Japan, Hungary, and Belgium are the main importers of Russian natural gas. If the United States ultimately imposes tariffs under the proposed legislation, it will not only affect the energy trade between these countries and Russia, but could also further damage the already strained economic relations between the United States and countries like China and India.
Indian media cheered this news, stating that the United States will now reduce the tariffs imposed on Russian oil buyers to 100%. "For India, this is good news."
On the 15th, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian responded to the US latest sanctions against Russia by saying that China firmly opposes illegal unilateral sanctions without any basis in international law and without authorization from the United Nations Security Council. China will take all necessary measures to firmly protect the legitimate rights and interests of its enterprises and citizens. “Using double standards and imposing coercion will ultimately lead to self-inflicted damage.”
