Washington, Jan 08 (V7N) — The United States is moving toward imposing stricter economic measures on countries that trade oil and energy with Russia, as President Donald Trump has given in-principle approval to a bipartisan Russia Sanctions Bill, according to US lawmakers.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said he met President Trump at the White House on Wednesday, where the president expressed support for the proposed legislation. A White House official also confirmed the development to the Associated Press (AP).

If passed, the bill would authorize the US administration to impose tariffs of up to 500 percent, along with additional sanctions, on countries that knowingly import Russian oil, natural gas, or uranium. The move is expected to significantly increase tariff pressure and secondary sanctions on major energy-importing nations such as India, China, and Brazil.

The bill was jointly drafted by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal. Its stated objective is to cut off a major source of funding for Russia’s military operations by targeting its energy exports.

Meanwhile, the United States has already imposed an additional 25 percent tariff on India over its imports of Russian crude oil. As a result, the total tariff on Indian goods entering the US market has risen to 50 percent.

Washington is also reportedly pressing New Delhi to halt imports of Russian oil during ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement, further intensifying diplomatic and economic pressure.

The proposed legislation reflects a broader US strategy to tighten sanctions on Russia by targeting countries that continue energy trade with Moscow, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

END/SMA/AJ