Washington: The US Senate has overwhelmingly approved legislation that could pave the way for steep tariffs on countries continuing to purchase Russian oil and gas, potentially putting India and China in the crosshairs of a proposed 100 per cent duty on their exports to the United States.
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 cleared the Senate by an 86-11 vote, reflecting strong bipartisan support for tougher measures against Moscow over its war in Ukraine.
Under the legislation, the US President would have the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on goods imported from countries that rank among the five biggest buyers of Russian petroleum products.
India and China are among the countries that could be affected by the provision. The list also includes Azerbaijan, Hungary and Slovakia, according to the legislation.
Bill targets Russia’s energy trade
The proposed measure is aimed at putting economic pressure on Russia by targeting countries that continue to purchase its energy products. Supporters of the legislation argue that revenue from oil and gas exports helps sustain Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine.
Apart from the tariff provision, the bill proposes sanctions against Russian officials, business figures and financial institutions. It also seeks to extend the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 until 2031, retaining penalties for companies investing in Iran’s energy sector.
The legislation was strongly backed by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal. Following Graham’s death in July after a trip to Kyiv, lawmakers from both parties pushed to advance the measure, presenting it as part of his efforts to support Ukraine.
India faces fresh trade pressure
If enacted in its current form, the legislation could create another major challenge for India-US economic relations.
India has significantly increased its purchases of Russian crude since the Ukraine conflict disrupted traditional energy markets. The proposed tariff mechanism could therefore put pressure on New Delhi to reconsider its energy trade with Moscow or face potentially severe consequences for exports to the American market.
The legislation comes at a time when tariff and trade issues are already a major part of discussions between India and the United States.
Concerns over Trump’s tariff powers
While supporters say the measure would increase pressure on Russia and countries financing its energy trade, some Democrats have expressed concern over the extent of tariff authority it would give the White House.
Democratic lawmakers Gregory Meeks and Don Beyer argued that the legislation could provide the President with broad powers to impose tariffs and potentially use them as part of wider trade disputes.
They said they supported efforts to hold Russia accountable but warned that the proposed approach could ultimately increase costs for American consumers and businesses.
House vote next
The Senate-approved bill will now move to the US House of Representatives, which is scheduled to return on August 31.
Its future will depend on whether the House approves the legislation and whether any changes are made before it can reach the President.
For India, the development is significant because the proposed 100 per cent tariff provision could add another layer of uncertainty to both India-US trade negotiations and New Delhi’s continuing energy relationship with Russia.
