US Lawmakers Move Amendments to Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces 100 percent Tariff Risk

US lawmakers have moved competing amendments to a proposed Russia sanctions bill that could give President Donald Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that continue to purchase Russian energy, with India among the countries facing potential exposure under the measure. The legislation, known as the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, has already received strong bipartisan support in the US Senate, where it passed by an 86-11 vote. The bill is now being considered by the House of Representatives as Washington looks to increase economic pressure on Russia over the war in Ukraine.

One of the proposed House amendments, introduced by Democratic Representative Steny Hoyer, would specifically identify countries that could become subject to the proposed secondary tariff mechanism. India, China, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Slovakia, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are among the countries named in the proposal. The amendment is significant because the Senate version does not directly identify individual countries. Instead, it refers to the five largest importers of Russian oil and gas by volume. The House proposal would make the potential targets more explicit and could put additional pressure on countries that maintain significant energy trade with Moscow.

The proposed legislation does not mean India would automatically face a 100% tariff. The measure would give the US president the authority to impose tariffs of up to that level, meaning any such action would depend on a decision by the White House and the final legislation approved by Congress. The proposed tariff mechanism is part of a broader US strategy aimed at reducing Russia's ability to generate revenue from energy exports. Washington has argued that continued purchases of Russian oil and gas provide Moscow with financial resources during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

India has become an important buyer of Russian crude since the beginning of the war, with Indian refiners taking advantage of competitively priced supplies. New Delhi has repeatedly defended its energy policy, saying that crude purchases are driven by national interests, energy security and market conditions. At the same time, not all US lawmakers support expanding presidential tariff powers. Representative Gregory Meeks has introduced an amendment seeking to remove the section of the bill that would provide the president with broad authority to impose secondary tariffs on countries trading with Russia. Other proposed changes would allow temporary waivers of certain sanctions on national-security grounds.

The competing amendments reflect a broader debate in Washington over whether tariffs are the most effective way to pressure Russia and its trading partners. Some lawmakers argue that stronger economic measures are necessary, while others have warned that sweeping tariffs could raise costs for American companies and consumers. The issue is particularly important for India because the United States remains one of its largest export markets. A substantial increase in US tariffs could affect Indian businesses selling goods to American consumers, while pressure to reduce Russian oil purchases could also create challenges for India's energy strategy.

The proposed legislation therefore places India in a complicated position as it seeks to maintain relations with both Washington and Moscow. India and the US have expanded their strategic and economic cooperation in recent years, while Russia continues to remain an important source of energy and a long-standing defence partner for New Delhi. The House debate is expected to determine how the sanctions bill moves forward. If lawmakers approve a version of the legislation, differences between the House and Senate texts would still need to be resolved before the measure could reach the White House.

India is facing the possibility of higher US tariffs rather than an immediate 100% duty. The final impact will depend on the wording of the legislation ultimately passed by Congress and whether the Trump administration decides to use the tariff authority against countries continuing to purchase Russian energy.

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