‘What kind of language being used?’ Congress slams US senator's warning to India over Russian oil

Congress took strong exception to a US senator's warning to India over its oil trade with Russia on Thursday. Party MP Pawan Khera flagged the language used after Democratic senator Richard Blumenthal asked India to "clean up" its act.

The remark by US senator, who took a stern tone against countries buying oil from Russia, did not go down well with the opposition party. "What kind of language is being used for our country," asked Khera in a post on X.

What US Senator said on India

After the US House of Representatives passed the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, Blumenthal sounded a warning to India and other countries, saying, “To China and India: You better clean up your act. Buy your oil and gas somewhere else. Appeasement is not a strategy."

The bill, which was cleared by a 262-159 vote, will now go to President Donald Trump for his signature.

US bill threatens 100% tariffs on India

The new legislation would give Trump the power to impose up to 100 per cent tariffs on major buyers of Russian oil and gas.

The bill would also target companies and foreign actors supporting Russia's military and extend sanctions involving Iran.

How India responded to Russia sanctions bill

As US tariffs loom ahead, India said on Thursday that it would continue buying oil "through diversified sourcing and on the basis of evolving market dynamics".

India said it will take all necessary steps to protect its trade and economic interests after the US House of Representatives passed a sweeping sanctions bill on Russia, allowing the Trump administration to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the top five purchasers of Russian oil.