Washington: The US House of Representatives has passed a Russia sanctions bill that gives President Donald Trump a legal route to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil and gas. It has put India among the countries that could face another round of US trade pressure.
Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 passed the House by 262-159 on September 16. The legislation does not automatically impose a 100% tariff on Indian goods. It gives the US president the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from countries that fall under the conditions set out in the bill.
India and China are among the major buyers of Russian energy and have therefore been identified as countries that could face the new tariff power. Reuters reported that the legislation targets Russia’s energy and defence sectors, its financial system and the so-called shadow fleet of tankers used to move Russian oil while avoiding Western restrictions. The Lindsey O. The bill had cleared the Senate and now goes to Trump for his signature.
What it means for India
The House Ways and Means Committee said the bill allows the president to raise duties to any level up to 100% on goods from countries that knowingly purchase Russian crude or natural gas, subject to the conditions in the legislation. It also covers countries that were among the five largest importers of Russian oil or gas during the most recent 12-month period. Once enacted, the administration will have the additional authority provided by the Congress, including the power to impose tariffs of up to 100% on qualifying countries.
The House passage therefore gives Trump additional powers over trade with countries buying Russian energy. The tariff provision is aimed at countries that continue to purchase Russian crude oil and natural gas. The legislation gives Washington another instrument to put economic pressure on countries that continue buying Russian energy. The bill also targets Russian officials, financial institutions and vessels involved in the country’s oil trade. Whether those powers are used against India will depend on decisions taken by the administration after the bill becomes law. The new legislation comes at a time when India-US trade ties are also being negotiated. The possibility of additional tariffs gives the White House another policy tool in talks over India’s Russian oil purchases. The bill now awaits Trump’s signature.
