President Donald Trump signaled strong support on Tuesday for a Senate bill championed by his close ally, Lindsey Graham.
The proposed law is designed to corner Vladimir Putin into negotiating an end to the war in Ukraine by slapping massive new sanctions on Russia. It would even hit other countries with 500% tariffs if they buy Russian energy products.
“I’m looking. It’s totally at my option,” Trump told reporters during a Cabinet meeting at the White House. “They pass it totally at my option, and to terminate totally at my option. And I’m looking at it very strongly.”
The proposed bill also allows the US President to issue a 180-day waiver if deemed in the national security interest. According to US media reports, that provision is being amended to potentially allow a second waiver.
India, the world’s second-largest buyer of Russian fossil fuels in May, is closely tracking developments. According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, India imported Russian fossil fuels worth €4.2 billion that month. Crude oil made up nearly three-quarters of that total.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed during a visit to Washington this month that India is engaged with US lawmakers on the issue.
“We have been in touch with Senator Graham. The embassy and the ambassador have been in touch,” Jaishankar said, responding to questions about the bill. “Our concerns and our interests on energy security have been made conversant to him.”
While the bill has yet to pass Congress, it has gathered momentum. Senator Graham claimed in a June interview that 84 senators had co-sponsored the legislation, which he described as an “economic bunker buster” against Russia, China, and India.
“I think that bill’s going to pass,” Graham said.
With Trump signaling support, Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune said more updates could come later this week, citing “a lot of interest” in the legislation.
The United States has expanded military and financial support for Ukraine in recent weeks. Trump has also directed the Defense Department to supply more defensive weapons, reflecting what aides say is growing frustration with Putin’s refusal to seek a resolution.
The bill’s scope goes beyond Russian energy. It also proposes further sanctions on Russian companies, government agencies, and top officials.
For India, the stakes are high. Russian imports have played a growing role in its energy mix since the start of the Ukraine conflict.
Indian officials have not commented publicly on whether the government would seek a formal waiver should the bill pass. But senior diplomats say they’re preparing for all scenarios.
“If it impacts our interest or could impact our interest, obviously we’re paying attention,” Jaishankar said. “We’ll cross that bridge if we come to it.”
