US House advances bill allowing Trump to impose 100% tariff on India over Russian oil
Mangalore Today News Network
Washington, Sep 16, 2026: The US House of Representatives has advanced legislation that could authorise President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on India and other major buyers of Russian oil and gas, as part of a broader Russia sanctions package.
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 cleared a procedural hurdle in the House by a 214-211 vote on Tuesday, with two Democrats joining Republicans in backing the measure. The bill is expected to face a final House vote before it can be sent to the President for his signature.
The legislation seeks to increase economic pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine. It includes sanctions targeting Russia’s leadership and energy sector, as well as vessels involved in transporting Russian oil while allegedly evading sanctions.
A key provision would give the US President authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that continue purchasing Russian crude oil or natural gas. India and China are among the major Russian energy buyers potentially covered by the measure.
The Senate had already passed the legislation by an 86-11 vote in August. The Senate version refers to the five largest importers of Russian oil and gas by volume, while House amendments have specifically identified countries including India as potentially subject to the secondary tariffs.
The measure has faced opposition from some Democrats, who have raised concerns that it would give the President broad authority to impose tariffs without sufficient limits. An amendment proposed by Congressman Gregory Meeks seeks to remove the provision granting the President such tariff powers.
The US has argued that revenue from Russia’s energy exports helps finance its war in Ukraine. The proposed sanctions are intended to put additional economic pressure on Moscow by targeting both Russian energy sales and countries that continue to purchase them.
India has been a major buyer of discounted Russian crude oil, which has helped Indian refiners manage import costs amid fluctuations in global energy prices.
However, the bill’s advancement does not mean that a 100% tariff has been imposed on India. It would create the legal authority for such tariffs if the legislation becomes law and the President chooses to use that authority. The House must first pass the bill, after which it would go to the President for approval.