Arya News - The US` newest legislation authorises tariffs of up to 100 percent on the five leading importers of Russian petroleum or natural gas. This provision puts India directly within the potential reach of the new tariff powers, because of its major purchases of Russian energy.
NEW DELHI – India could face a fresh tariff threat from Washington over its purchases of Russian energy after the US Congress cleared legislation that would give President Donald Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on major buyers of Russian oil and gas.
The tariff would not take effect automatically. The legislation creates a mechanism through which Trump could impose the levy under specified conditions after signing the measure into law. India and China are among the major purchasers of Russian crude.
The US House of Representatives approved the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by 262 votes to 159 on Wednesday. The Senate had already cleared the measure 86-11 on August 7, leaving Trump’s signature as the next step.
What the US sanctions bill means for India
The legislation authorises tariffs of up to 100 per cent on the five leading importers of Russian petroleum or natural gas.
That provision puts India directly within the potential reach of the new tariff powers because of its purchases of Russian energy. China is another major buyer targeted by the measure.
However, passage of the legislation does not itself impose a 100 per cent tariff on Indian goods. The measure instead gives the Trump administration discretionary authority to levy tariffs of up to 100 per cent under specified conditions.
The legislation also provides an exemption for countries accounting for less than 15 per cent of Russian natural gas exports if they have taken substantial steps to reduce those purchases.
Russian banks, officials and ‘shadow fleet’ also targeted
The package goes beyond countries buying Russian energy.
It expands sanctions against Russian officials and financial institutions and targets vessels used to keep Russian energy exports moving despite existing Western restrictions.
The legislation emerged after more than a year of negotiations and is named for the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who championed the measure before his death.
Trump’s support became crucial to its progress. The package also extends existing sanctions on Iran for five years.
Zelenskyy pushed US lawmakers to act
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had pressed lawmakers to approve the measure before the vote.
“During the war, it is sometimes better to make a not-so-perfect decision than to do nothing,” Zelenskyy wrote on social media.
The legislation is the most significant Ukraine-related measure to pass Congress in more than two years.
With approval from both chambers now secured, the bill heads to Trump. If signed, it will expand the sanctions and tariff tools available to his administration against Russia and countries continuing substantial Russian energy trade.
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