The US Senate has taken a major step toward imposing tougher sanctions on Russia by voting 86-12 to advance the “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026.” If passed, the bill would allow the US president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that continue purchasing Russian oil and gas, with India, China, Azerbaijan, Hungary, and Slovakia among those potentially affected.
The legislation is expected to face a final Senate vote later this week, where it is widely anticipated to pass. It also includes provisions to extend certain US sanctions on Iran that are due to expire later this year.
Senator Richard Blumenthal, who co-authored the bill with the late Senator Lindsey Graham, said the measure is primarily aimed at major buyers of Russian energy. According to Blumenthal, China and India account for the majority of Russia’s oil and gas exports, helping sustain Moscow’s economy amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Recent data from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) shows that India’s imports of Russian crude oil increased by 34% in June, reaching €4.5 billion and contributing approximately 36% of Russia’s crude oil export revenue. India is currently Russia’s second-largest oil buyer after China.
However, the proposed legislation does not automatically impose tariffs. Instead, it gives the US President the authority to decide whether tariffs should be applied and to determine their rate through the Office of the US Trade Representative.
The bill may still face hurdles in the House of Representatives, where some lawmakers have criticised it for granting the president broad tariff powers. Congressman Gregory Meeks described the proposal as a “Trojan horse,” arguing it could be used to impose additional tariffs beyond its stated purpose.
Responding to developments, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it is closely monitoring the legislation. The ministry reiterated that India’s crude oil imports are guided by energy security requirements and a strategy of maintaining diverse sources of supply.
If approved by both chambers of Congress and signed into law, the legislation could significantly affect global energy trade and add fresh pressure on countries maintaining energy ties with Russia.
