NEW DELHI, Jan. 12 -- The Russia Sanctions Bill, which authorizes the US president to impose a punitive 500% import duty on countries that buy oil from Russia, has gained fresh momentum after Donald Trump signalled his support for the legislation.

Mint examines what the bill proposes, why it has resurfaced and what it could mean for India.

The bill, spearheaded by Republican senator Lindsey Graham, seeks to penalize countries that import petroleum products from Russia. The US government has argued that revenues from oil sales are helping finance Russia's war against Ukraine.

Once approved by both the Senate and the House of Representatives, the legislation would empower the US president to impose tariffs of up to 500% on goods imported...