Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has emerged as the lone Indian-origin member of the US House to support a new Russia sanctions bill, breaking with the other five Indian-American Democrats who voted against the legislation.
The House passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning of Russia and Iran Act on Wednesday by a 262-159 vote. The legislation proposes tougher economic measures against Russia and Iran and includes 100% tariffs on the top five buyers of Russian oil and gas. Because India and China are among the major purchasers of Russian energy, the proposed tariffs could have implications for both countries.
Krishnamoorthi votes for tougher Russia measures
Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat representing Illinois, voted in favor of the legislation despite opposition from the other Indian-American Democrats in the House.
The other five—Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, Ami Bera, Shri Thanedar and Suhas Subramanyam—voted against the bill. All six Indian-American members of the House are Democrats, making the vote a notable split within the group.
The legislation also contains an exemption for US purchases of uranium from Russia. Fifty-eight House Democrats supported the bill, while the overall measure passed with 262 members voting in favor and 159 opposing it.
Krishnamoorthi's vote comes as the congressman prepares to leave the House. He unsuccessfully contested the Democratic primary for the US Senate in March and is scheduled to retire from the House in January next year.
Ukraine support shapes Krishnamoorthi's position
Ahead of the House vote, Krishnamoorthi met with members of Illinois Ukraine Action, a Ukrainian advocacy group.
Following the meeting, he posted on X that Ukrainians were continuing to fight for their freedom and sovereignty and said the United States should maintain its support for them.
His engagement with Ukrainian-American advocates came immediately before the vote, highlighting his public position on continued US support for Ukraine as the Russia sanctions legislation moved through Congress.
Krishnamoorthi has also been among the more vocal Indian-American members of Congress on political participation within the diaspora. He has encouraged Indian Americans to seek public office and become more involved in US politics.
Why the vote matters for India
The House vote could draw particular attention in India because the legislation targets the largest buyers of Russian oil and gas with proposed 100 per cent tariffs.
India has remained a significant purchaser of Russian energy, meaning measures targeting major buyers could potentially affect Indian trade and energy interests if they become law.
The split among Indian-American Democrats also illustrates how foreign policy issues can produce differences within a group that shares a common Indian-American background and Democratic affiliation.
Krishnamoorthi's decision to support the bill therefore stands apart from the position taken by his five Indian-American Democratic colleagues. The House passage is an important step for the legislation, although the vote itself does not establish the final impact on India or other countries that purchase Russian energy.
