US Russia Sanctions Bill Raises India Tariff Risk
The US House of Representatives has advanced legislation that could give President Donald Trump authority to impose additional tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian energy, potentially exposing India to substantially higher US trade barriers if the measure becomes law. No new tariff has yet been imposed on India.
US House Advances Russia Sanctions Bill
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 cleared a procedural House vote by 214-211, moving the legislation closer to a final vote.
The Senate approved its version of the bill by an 86-11 vote in August. The legislation targets Russian officials, financial institutions, energy interests and vessels linked to sanctions evasion while expanding presidential authority to impose secondary tariffs on countries purchasing significant quantities of Russian oil and natural gas.
India Could Face Tariffs of Up to 100%
India is potentially exposed because it remains a major purchaser of Russian energy.
The Senate legislation is aimed at major importers rather than automatically applying tariffs to every country trading with Moscow. However, a House amendment proposed by Democratic Congressman Steny Hoyer explicitly names India, China, Turkiye and several other countries as potential targets for additional duties.
Whether that language survives the final legislative process remains uncertain.
Tariffs Would Not Be Automatic
Even if the House passes the legislation, additional steps would still be required before any new duties could be imposed.
The measure would provide the US President with authority to levy tariffs rather than automatically introducing a 100% tariff on Indian goods.
The final impact on India will therefore depend on the version approved by Congress, whether it becomes law and how the administration chooses to exercise the powers granted under the legislation.
