The proposed US legislation could give President Donald Trump sweeping tariff powers against major buyers of Russian energy, potentially exposing India and China to higher trade barriers.
The US House of Representatives is expected to vote on a bill that could authorise President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that continue purchasing Russian oil and gas, potentially putting India’s trade with the US under additional pressure.
The legislation, titled the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, seeks to increase economic pressure on Russia over its continuing war in Ukraine. The bill was introduced more than a year ago by the late Senator Lindsey Graham,CNBC reported.
The proposed measure would allow the US president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries, including India and China, that rank among the five largest purchasers of Russian crude oil or natural gas. Revenue from Russia’s energy exports is considered an important source of funding for its war effort.
The Senate passed the legislation last month by an overwhelming 86-11 vote, reflecting bipartisan support for tougher measures against Russia. The bill is now moving through the House, with a vote expected on Wednesday.
The legislation would also impose sanctions on Russian leaders, officials and financial institutions, while expanding sanctions targeting Iran.
However, the proposed tariff powers have drawn opposition from some US lawmakers. Representatives Gregory Meeks, Don Beyer and Richard Neal, in a joint statement last week, said they supported continued pressure on Russia but argued that the bill would give the president excessive authority over tariffs.
The lawmakers said the expanded tariff powers could raise prices for American consumers and potentially undermine longer-term support for Ukraine.
For India, the legislation could have implications for its energy purchases and broader trade relationship with the United States. India has remained a major buyer of Russian crude, particularly since Western sanctions and the disruption of global energy markets following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The proposed legislation, however, does not mean that India would automatically face a 100% tariff. The measure would provide the US president with the authority to impose such tariffs under specified conditions.
The bill is now awaiting consideration by the full House. If approved in the same form as the Senate-passed legislation, it would be sent to Trump for his decision.
