The US House of Representatives has advanced legislation that could give President Donald Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that continue purchasing Russian oil and gas, potentially exposing India to steep additional duties.
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 cleared a key House vote by 214-211, bringing the measure closer to becoming law. The House is expected to hold its final vote on the legislation on Thursday.
The bill seeks to increase economic pressure on Russia by targeting its energy sector and countries that continue to purchase Russian energy. It also contains provisions related to sanctions on Iran.
India is among the major buyers of Russian crude and has significantly increased purchases of discounted Russian oil since the war in Ukraine began. Under the proposed legislation, countries that meet the specified criteria could face tariffs of up to 100% on their exports to the United States.
However, the legislation does not mean that a 100% tariff would automatically be imposed on India. It would give the US president additional authority to impose such tariffs, leaving the decision to the administration. A House amendment has specifically identified India among the countries that could face the tariff provision.
Pressure on Russia and Its Energy Trade
The proposed legislation is designed to increase the economic cost of Russia’s continued war in Ukraine by targeting revenue generated through its energy exports.
The measure also includes sanctions targeting Russian officials and the country’s energy sector, as well as measures aimed at the so-called “shadow fleet” of vessels used to transport Russian oil and circumvent sanctions.
The potential tariff provision comes as India continues to maintain significant energy ties with Russia while also pursuing its broader economic and strategic relationship with the United States.
Senate Had Already Passed the Bill
The Senate passed the legislation on August 7 by an overwhelming 86-11 vote.
The Senate version did not specifically name India or China. Instead, it included provisions aimed at major purchasers of Russian oil and gas. The House is now considering the Senate-passed legislation along with amendments that could specifically identify countries, including India, as potential targets of the tariff provision.
The House debate has also drawn criticism from lawmakers concerned about the breadth of the tariff powers that could be granted to the president.
What It Could Mean for India
If the legislation becomes law and the tariff authority is subsequently used against India, Indian exports to the US could face duties of up to 100%.
Such a move could have significant implications for India-US trade and for Indian industries that rely heavily on access to the American market. The immediate impact, however, would depend on whether the administration actually invokes the tariff authority and how the measure is implemented.
For India, the legislation adds another layer of complexity to its energy and trade relationship with Washington while New Delhi continues to purchase Russian crude.
What Happens Next
The immediate focus is on the House’s final vote. If the House passes the legislation in a form that can proceed without further congressional action, it would then go to the White House for President Trump’s consideration.
The measure’s final provisions, including which countries could be covered by the tariff mechanism, will determine the potential impact on India and other major buyers of Russian energy. The legislation therefore does not itself impose a 100% tariff on India; it could instead provide the US president with the authority to impose one.
