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US President Donald Trump addressing a media briefing (Img: Pinterest)
Washington: The United States House of Representatives has advanced a Russia sanctions bill that could give President Donald Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that continue buying Russian oil and gas, putting India in the spotlight.
The Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 cleared a key procedural hurdle by a 214-211 vote. The legislation is now moving towards a final House vote. If approved by the House, the bill would then move to the President for consideration.
The proposed legislation targets major buyers of Russian energy. India is among the countries that could face additional US tariffs under the measure because of its continued purchases of Russian crude.
The Senate-passed version of the bill does not specifically name India. Instead, it refers to the five largest importers of Russian oil and gas by volume. US lawmakers have identified India and China among the major countries that could fall within the proposed tariff mechanism.
A separate House amendment has also explicitly named India among countries potentially eligible for tariffs of up to 100%, although the House process is not yet complete and the final text could change.
The proposed 100% tariff should not be confused with an immediate new duty on Indian exports to the US.
The bill would create the legal authority for the President to impose tariffs of up to 100% on qualifying countries. The actual rate and whether the authority is used would depend on subsequent decisions and the final legislation.
The proposed duties could apply broadly to goods entering the United States from a qualifying country rather than only to products connected with Russian oil purchases.
The legislation is designed to increase economic pressure on Russia amid its ongoing war in Ukraine. It proposes sanctions targeting Russian officials, the energy sector and vessels associated with efforts to evade existing sanctions.
US lawmakers supporting the measure argue that revenue from Russian energy exports helps sustain Moscow's war effort. India, meanwhile, has continued purchasing Russian crude as part of its energy supply strategy.
The bill has also faced opposition inside the House. Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about giving the President broad authority to impose tariffs on US trading partners.
Congressman Gregory Meeks has proposed removing the section that would provide the tariff authority. Other amendments have also been introduced as lawmakers debate the scope and potential consequences of the legislation.
The House is expected to take up the bill for a final vote before beginning its early recess. The final wording of the legislation will determine whether India remains specifically covered and what authority the US President ultimately receives.
Until the legislative process is completed and any subsequent presidential action is taken, no new 100% tariff has been imposed on Indian goods under this bill.
