‘America shooting itself in the foot’: US senators oppose 100% tariffs on India, China

Two US senators have voiced strong opposition to a proposed bill that could impose 100% tariffs on imports from India and other countries continuing trade with Russia, warning that the move would hurt American interests and damage relations with key partners.

During a Senate debate on a Russia sanctions bill, Senators Rob Wyden and Rand Paul criticised the tariff provision. Paul described the proposal as America “shooting itself in the foot”, arguing that such punitive duties would destabilise US ties with India, while Wyden also opposed the measure.

The debate came as the Senate advanced legislation aimed at increasing economic pressure on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. The bill, originally introduced in April 2025 by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, cleared a procedural vote by 86-12 on July 28 during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to the US Capitol.

If passed in its current form, the legislation would impose sanctions on Russian officials and authorise 100% tariffs on imports from India, China, Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan over their continued trade with Russia, particularly in the energy sector.

India, the world’s second-largest buyer of Russian crude after China, could face significant economic consequences. New Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil have risen sharply as conflicts in West Asia and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have constrained supplies from the Gulf, making Russian crude an increasingly important source for Indian refiners.

The proposed legislation comes amid broader trade tensions between Washington and New Delhi and could further complicate bilateral economic relations if enacted.