US House passes Russia sanctions bill, clearing path for 100% tariff on India

Washington, Sep 17: The US House of Representatives has passed a sweeping Russia sanctions bill that gives President Donald Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries that continue purchasing Russian oil and gas, including India and China.

The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 was approved by a 262-159 vote on Wednesday. The legislation, which had already cleared the Senate, will now be sent to Trump for his signature.

The bill seeks to increase economic pressure on Moscow by targeting Russia’s energy and defence sectors and its so-called shadow fleet of tankers. It also expands sanctions against Iran.

For India, the key provision is the authority granted to the US president to impose secondary tariffs of up to 100 per cent on major buyers of Russian energy. However, the passage of the bill does not itself impose a 100 per cent tariff on Indian goods. Any such tariff would require a decision by Trump under the new law.

The measure has drawn opposition from some Democratic lawmakers, who raised concerns about granting the president broad powers to impose tariffs on Russia’s trading partners. An amendment seeking to remove the secondary tariff provision was defeated during the House proceedings.

The legislation was originally introduced in 2025 by the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and was later renamed in his honour. The Senate passed the measure by an 86-11 vote in August.

The bill's passage creates the possibility of further trade pressure on India, which has remained a major buyer of Russian crude oil since the Ukraine conflict disrupted global energy markets. The immediate impact on Indian exports will depend on whether and how the Trump administration exercises the tariff authority granted under the legislation.

The legislation also includes provisions targeting Russian officials, banks and entities linked to the country's energy trade, while extending sanctions against Iran.