Trump Backs 500% Tariffs and Pulls U.S. From Solar Alliance as India Cuts Russian Oil
Updated (2 articles)
U.S. pushes unprecedented tariffs on Russian oil buyers President Donald Trump publicly supported the Russia Sanctions Act, which would allow tariffs of up to 500 % on secondary purchases and resale of Russian crude, a bipartisan effort with broad co‑sponsorship in both chambers aimed at pressuring major buyers such as China, India and Brazil [1][2]. The legislation is framed as a tool to choke revenue for Russia’s war effort while giving the United States leverage in global energy markets. Lawmakers anticipate a rapid vote once the bill reaches the floor, reflecting heightened legislative momentum.
Washington exits climate and multilateral bodies At the same time, the White House issued a memorandum withdrawing the United States from the International Solar Alliance and more than 60 other international organisations, signalling a broader retreat from multilateral climate cooperation [1][2]. The ISA, co‑founded by India and France in 2015, loses U.S. participation just as New Delhi seeks to expand solar deployment. Critics warn the exits will undermine global renewable‑energy initiatives and dilute U.S. influence in climate negotiations.
New U.S. envoy to India tasked with oil pressure Sergio Gor, confirmed as U.S. ambassador‑designate and special envoy for South and Central Asia, arrived in Delhi on 12 January 2026 and listed ending India’s imports of Russian oil as his top priority [2]. Gor’s mandate aligns with the tariff bill, aiming to persuade Indian officials to halt purchases that fund Russia’s conflict. His diplomatic push follows the administration’s hardening stance on energy security and sanctions enforcement.
India’s oil imports already shrinking amid pressure Reliance Industries disclosed that it received no Russian crude cargoes through December and expects none in January, indicating a pause by major Indian refiners [2]. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski praised the reduction, linking it to diminished financing for President Vladimir Putin’s war, while Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar offered no public rebuttal [2]. These developments suggest India is responding to combined U.S. legislative and diplomatic pressure.
Parallel domestic headlines dominate Indian news cycle The Enforcement Directorate accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of removing key evidence during a Kolkata raid linked to alleged coal‑smuggling money‑laundering [1]. The Delhi High Court discharged a woman charged for terminating a 14‑week pregnancy, ruling forced continuation violates bodily integrity [1]. Nestlé initiated a global recall of infant‑formula batches over possible toxin contamination, affecting dozens of markets [1]. Renowned ecologist Madhav Gadgil died at 82, prompting tributes to his conservation legacy [1].
Sources
-
1.
The Hindu: Trump backs bill for up to 500% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil – Details Trump’s support for the Russia Sanctions Act and its potential impact on major oil‑importing nations.
-
1.
The Hindu: Trump signs memorandum pulling the U.S. out of more than 60 global organisations – Outlines the broad U.S. withdrawal from international bodies, including climate‑related institutions.
-
1.
The Hindu: Directorate of Enforcement alleges Mamata Banerjee removed 'key' evidence during Kolkata raid – Reports the ED’s accusation against the West Bengal chief minister amid a money‑laundering probe.
-
1.
The Hindu: Delhi High Court: forcing a woman to continue pregnancy violates her bodily integrity – Covers the court’s ruling protecting reproductive autonomy in a criminal case.
-
1.
The Hindu: Nestle recalls infant formula batches globally over possible toxin contamination – Announces a worldwide recall of several infant‑formula lines due to contamination concerns.
-
1.
The Hindu: Renowned ecologist Madhav Gadgil dies at 82 in Pune after brief illness – Reports the death of the influential conservationist and his legacy.
-
2.
The Hindu: Trump backs Bill proposing up to 500% tariffs on Russian oil buyers – Reiterates bipartisan support for the high‑tariff bill targeting secondary Russian oil purchasers.
-
2.
The Hindu: Trump withdraws the U.S. from the India‑led International Solar Alliance – Highlights the U.S. exit from the solar coalition founded by India and France.
-
2.
The Hindu: U.S. Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor arrives Jan 12 and will press India on Russian oil – Describes Gor’s arrival and his mandate to end Indian imports of Russian crude.
-
2.
The Hindu: Poland’s foreign minister praises India’s cut in Russian oil imports – Notes Polish praise for India’s reduced Russian oil intake and its geopolitical implications.
-
2.
The Hindu: Reliance says it received no Russian cargoes and expects none in January – Provides corporate confirmation of halted Russian oil shipments to a major Indian refinery.
-
2.
The Hindu: Congressional momentum and U.S. exits from global bodies deepen pressure on multilateral climate work – Analyzes how legislative and diplomatic actions together intensify pressure on India’s climate and energy policies.
Timeline
2015 – The International Solar Alliance is launched at the Paris climate talks, creating a coalition led by India and France to promote solar adoption worldwide [1].
Nov 2025 – Indian state‑run firms increase their intake of discounted Russian crude, marking a brief rebound in Russia‑India oil trade before diplomatic pressure mounts [1].
Dec 2025 – Reliance Industries reports that its Jamnagar refinery receives no Russian oil cargoes through most of December and expects none in January, signalling a pause by major Indian buyers amid rising sanctions pressure [1].
Jan 8, 2026 – President Donald Trump backs the bipartisan Russia Sanctions Act, which would allow tariffs of up to 500 % on secondary purchases and resale of Russian oil, a move allies say aims to pressure China, India and Brazil [1][2].
Jan 8, 2026 – The White House issues a memorandum withdrawing the United States from the International Solar Alliance and more than 60 other international organisations, signalling a broad retreat from multilateral climate and health cooperation [1][2].
Jan 8, 2026 – Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski tells reporters, “I am satisfied that India has reduced its oil imports from Russia,” linking the cut to diminished financing for President Vladimir Putin’s war effort [1].
Jan 8, 2026 – The Directorate of Enforcement alleges West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee entered a Kolkata residence during a money‑laundering raid and removed “key” evidence, escalating a high‑profile clash between the state and central investigators [2].
Jan 8, 2026 – The Delhi High Court discharges a woman charged by her husband after she terminates a 14‑week pregnancy, ruling that forcing a woman to continue a pregnancy violates her bodily integrity and aggravates mental trauma [2].
Jan 8, 2026 – Nestlé announces a global recall of infant‑formula batches (SMA, BEBA, NAN) over possible toxin contamination, prompting alerts across Europe, Africa, the Americas and Asia [2].
Jan 8, 2026 – Renowned ecologist Madhav Gadgil dies at age 82 in Pune after a brief illness, prompting tributes that highlight his influence on India’s conservation policy [2].
Jan 12, 2026 – U.S. Ambassador‑designate Sergio Gor arrives in New Delhi and begins pressing India to halt imports of Russian oil, aligning diplomatic outreach with the newly supported tariff legislation [1].
2026 (ongoing) – Congressional co‑sponsorship of the Russia Sanctions Act suggests the bill could pass quickly once brought to a vote, creating an additional lever to curb Russian oil revenues [1].