In a significant development amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, former U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that he would be open to supporting legislation that targets countries trading with Russia. Speaking to reporters on Sunday before departing Florida, Trump outlined plans by his party to introduce a bill that would impose stringent sanctions on nations doing business with Moscow.

According to Trump, countries purchasing Russian goods, particularly energy, are indirectly fueling Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine. “The Republicans are putting in legislation that is very tough sanctioning, etcetera, on any country doing business with Russia,” he told reporters.

The countries explicitly mentioned in Trump’s statement include India and China. Both nations have faced scrutiny from the former U.S. President for their trade relationships with Russia. Trump has previously described India and China as “primary funders” of Russia’s war in Ukraine, pointing to the significant economic benefits these countries gain from purchasing Russian energy. While China has so far avoided direct penalties, India has already faced a 50% cumulative tariff, including a 25% “penalty” tariff imposed in August.

Trump also suggested that Iran could potentially be added to the list of sanctioned trading partners, indicating that the legislation may expand beyond the current focus on India and China.

The proposed bill, if enacted, would give Trump the authority to impose tariffs as high as 500% on imports from countries that continue to purchase Russian energy products without supporting Ukraine, according to a Bloomberg report. The goal, he indicated, is to exert pressure on Russia’s global trading network to reduce funding for its military operations.

This announcement comes in the backdrop of shifting U.S. trade and tariff policies. Last Friday, Trump removed tariffs on more than 20 food products, including beef, responding to rising consumer concerns over grocery prices. This move provides relief to Indian exporters of tea, coffee, spices, and cashew nuts, who had been severely affected by previous tariff hikes under Trump’s administration. The tariff rollback helps Indian agricultural and food exporters regain access to key U.S. markets, easing some of the economic strain caused by earlier punitive measures.

Despite U.S. scrutiny, India and Russia have continued to strengthen their bilateral trade ties. On Sunday, both countries reiterated their commitment to achieving $100 billion in trade by 2030. Discussions also focused on the India-Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) free trade agreement in goods, emphasizing diversification, resilient supply chains, regulatory predictability, and balanced growth in their economic partnership. The Indian Commerce Ministry stated that the discussions “built upon the outcomes of the India-Russia Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation, with a continued focus on diversification, strengthening resilient supply chains, ensuring regulatory predictability and promoting balanced growth in the partnership.”

Trump’s shift in stance on the sanctions bill marks a notable departure from his earlier attempts to negotiate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Initially hesitant to endorse punitive measures against Russia’s trading partners, Trump’s focus now appears to be on leveraging economic pressure to encourage Russia toward a peace agreement.

The potential impact of the bill is considerable. Countries that continue to import Russian energy and goods could face crippling tariffs, reshaping global trade flows and putting added strain on nations like India, which rely on Russian energy to meet domestic demand. While India’s growing energy and defense ties with Russia have strengthened bilateral relations, the looming threat of massive U.S. tariffs introduces an additional layer of complexity to New Delhi’s foreign and trade policy calculations.

Experts note that India may need to navigate a delicate balancing act. On one hand, continued trade with Russia supports domestic energy security and fulfills strategic partnerships. On the other hand, potential U.S. sanctions could have far-reaching economic implications, especially for exporters with significant exposure to the American market. The recent partial tariff rollback on food and agricultural products may mitigate some pressure, but broader sanctions tied to energy imports could pose serious challenges.

The proposed legislation also carries geopolitical implications. By targeting trading partners rather than only Russia, the U.S. aims to indirectly weaken Russia’s war-funding capabilities while compelling countries to align with Washington’s stance on Ukraine. For India, which maintains a strategic partnership with both the U.S. and Russia, this adds a complex dimension to its foreign policy strategy, requiring careful diplomacy to safeguard national interests while avoiding punitive measures.

In conclusion, Trump’s willingness to back sanctions on Russia’s trading partners—including India—signals a potential escalation in economic pressure as part of the broader geopolitical contest surrounding the Ukraine conflict. While India continues to expand trade with Russia and strengthen bilateral ties, the looming threat of U.S. tariffs and global scrutiny over Russian energy imports underscores the challenges facing New Delhi in maintaining a balanced foreign and trade policy in an increasingly polarized global environment.