“If you keep buying cheap Russian oil… we’re going to tear up the hell out of you and will crush your economy,” Senator Lindsey Graham warned India (as well as China and Brazil) during an appearance on Fox News. He cautioned that President Trump plans to impose 100%—and potentially even 500%—secondary tariffs on countries importing large amounts of Russian oil, which Graham says fuels Vladimir Putin’s military campaign in Ukraine .
Graham emphasized that these nations—India, China, and Brazil—make up nearly 80% of imports of cheap Russian crude, and by continuing this trade they are effectively underwriting Russia’s war machine . He underscored: “You’re buying cheap Russian oil at the expense of the world, and President Trump is tired of this game”, adding that these countries will face a stark choice—support Putin or side with the U.S. economy .
This statement comes alongside the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, co-sponsored by Sen. Richard Blumenthal, which calls for 500% tariffs on goods from any country continuing energy trade with Russia—except those formally aiding Ukraine . Graham described the legislation as “one of the most draconian sanctions bills ever written,” though it does include a waiver clause intended to spare Western allies .
Pressed on whether this signals a tougher Trump-era foreign policy pivot, Graham insisted, “Putin, your turn is coming… Donald Trump is the Scottie Scheffler of American politics… about to put a whooping on your ass” . He added that while Moscow “can live through sanctions,” the dependent economies of China, India, and Brazil will be compelled to choose between enabling Putin and staying aligned with the U.S. economy .
What this means for India
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India has emerged as a prominent purchaser of Russian crude since February 2022, with imports recently climbing to 2.0–2.2 million barrels per day, accounting for approximately 40–44% of its oil consumption . Facing the threat of punitive tariffs, Indian officials may have to balance strategic energy needs against growing diplomatic and economic exposure to U.S. sanctions.
Bottom line:
Sen. Graham’s remarks signal an aggressive U.S. sanctions posture aimed at Russia’s principal oil buyers. With a pending bill targeting nations like India and China, and a hardline enforcement rhetoric, the global oil trade could face severe realignment—forcing major consumers either to shift away from cheap Russian crude or risk significant economic blowback.