US threatens 100% tariffs on India and China, yet keeps buying Russian Uranium

WASHINGTON: The United States, which is planning to impose a 100 percent tariff on countries purchasing oil from Russia, continues to buy uranium from Russia itself. India is the world’s third-largest importer of oil and receives Russian crude at a significant discount. Like India, China is also heavily dependent on Russian crude oil. The 100 percent tariff threat issued by US President Donald Trump is primarily aimed at these two countries. India is preparing to express its displeasure to the United States over the move.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that when it comes to meeting its own nuclear requirements, the United States has made the same rules somewhat more flexible. The ‘Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026’ was passed by the House of Representatives the other day. It will become law once President Trump signs it. Although the legislation is aimed at countries such as India and China that continue to rely on Russia for their fuel requirements, it also includes provisions allowing the US administration to continue nuclear cooperation with Russia and import uranium from the country for its own needs.

The House of Representatives has directed the President to amend Section 111 of the existing US law governing imports of Russian uranium. The new legislation does not apply to US-Russia civilian nuclear cooperation under Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act. Another exemption concerns imports of low-enriched Russian uranium. However, these provisions do not apply to all Russian nuclear agreements. Reports indicate that the United States has also introduced several conditions for new agreements.