US House Advances Russia Sanctions Bill
India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Imports
The U.S. House of Representatives has advanced legislation that could give President Donald Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries purchasing Russian energy, putting India among the countries facing potential additional trade measures.
The legislation, known as the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, is moving toward a final House vote after lawmakers approved a procedural step. The Senate has already passed its version of the bill by 86-11.
The proposed measure targets countries that continue to purchase Russian oil and gas. The House version identifies 10 countries, including India, China, Turkey and the UAE, as potentially eligible for the tariff provisions.
India remains a major buyer of Russian crude oil. According to the report, India imported around €4.8 billion of Russian fossil fuels in August, although its purchases declined 24% from July. China remained a larger buyer, with imports worth around €8.4 billion during the month.
The legislation has not yet resulted in an immediate 100% tariff on Indian goods. If enacted, the measure would provide the U.S. president with additional authority to impose such tariffs under specified conditions. The House still needs to complete its legislative process before the bill could move further.
The proposed sanctions have also created disagreement within the U.S. Congress. A competing amendment led by Representative Gregory Meeks seeks to remove the Russian sanctions provision, while other lawmakers are supporting stronger economic pressure on Russia and countries purchasing its energy.
For India, the development could have implications for U.S.-India trade and ongoing economic negotiations, particularly if additional tariffs were eventually imposed. Indian policymakers are monitoring the legislation as the House moves toward its final vote.