US Targets India and China for Buying Russian Oil Amid Sanctions Bill

US Senator Richard Blumenthal has described India and China as the 'main culprits' in buying Russian oil, amid a bipartisan effort to fast-track a bill authorizing President Donald Trump to impose sanctions on major importers of Russian and Iranian oil.

The US Senate voted 86-12 to advance the legislation, which would allow Trump to levy tariffs of up to 100% on imports from countries that continue buying substantial quantities of Russian oil and gas.

Blumenthal emphasized that the bill is 'carefully crafted' to ensure it does not harm allies, but instead targets China and India, which he claims purchase the majority of oil and gas fueling Russia's war machine.

India has consistently defended its energy imports from Russia, citing economic and energy security considerations. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said during a visit to Finland that the US had previously acknowledged India's role in helping stabilize global energy markets after sanctions disrupted Russian supplies.