- US House approved bill for tariffs on Russian oil buyers.
- President Trump gains power to impose up to 100% tariffs.
- India and China face fresh trade pressure over energy imports.
US Tariffs: The US House of Representatives has approved a sweeping Russia sanctions bill that will give President Donald Trump the power to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries that continue to buy Russian oil and gas, putting major importers such as India and China under fresh US trade pressure.
What The Bill Seeks To do
The bill, known as the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, had already cleared the US Senate last month. It was then passed by the House of Representatives on Wednesday by a vote of 262-159, moving the legislation forward for the next step. A key part of the legislation would allow the US President to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on imports from countries that continue purchasing significant amounts of Russian energy.
The legislation is aimed at increasing economic pressure on Moscow over its war in Ukraine. It proposes tougher sanctions on Russia’s leadership, energy industry and defence-related sectors. The legislation also expands measures against Iran and gives the President additional authority to use tariffs against countries that remain heavily dependent on Russian oil and gas.
Why Is It Concerning For India?
Due to the latest developments, India faces a fresh tariff threat as it has significantly increased its purchases of Russian crude since the Ukraine war began. Under the proposed framework, countries that remain among the biggest buyers of Russian oil or gas could face additional US tariffs of as much as 100 per cent. As a result, India and China could be directly affected by the proposed measures.
US Lawmaker On Passage Of Bill
Republican Congressman Michael McCaul welcomed the House vote and said the measure would put greater pressure not only on Russia but also on countries continuing to support its energy trade. “I'm proud to announce that the bill passed by a vote of 262 to 159... This bill will cripple Russia's war machine and finally bring Putin to the negotiating table. It will ensure America's adversaries, not only Russia, but also China and Iran, suffer for their coordinated campaign of aggression... During his last press conference, Lindsey said, 'I've never been more optimistic than I am today that we have the formula to end this war.' I couldn't agree more,” he said.
#WATCH | On Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, US Congressman Michael McCaul says, "I'm proud to announce that the bill passed by a vote of 262 to 159... This bill will cripple Russia's war machine and finally bring Putin to the negotiating table. It will… pic.twitter.com/HxGPuvB63C
— ANI (@ANI) September 16, 2026
What Happens Next?
The House vote means that the legislation would now move to President Trump. If it is signed into law, the administration would then have to determine how the new sanctions and tariff provisions are applied. This does not necessarily mean India will immediately face a 100 per cent tariff. It will further depend on how Washington defines the countries that qualify for the tariff measures.
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