India could face tariffs of up to 100 per cent on goods entering the United States under a sweeping Russia sanctions bill that has moved a step closer to passage in the US House of Representatives.
The House on Tuesday cleared a key procedural hurdle for the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, legislation aimed at increasing economic pressure on Moscow over its war in Ukraine.
The procedural resolution was approved by a narrow 214-211 vote, clearing the way for the House to take up the legislation for a final vote.
If enacted, the legislation would give US President Donald Trump additional authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries that are among the biggest buyers of Russian oil and gas.
India and China, both major purchasers of Russian energy, could be among the countries affected.
Why India Could Be Affected
At the heart of the legislation is an effort to reduce Russia’s revenue from energy exports, which Washington says helps Moscow finance its war against Ukraine.
The Senate-approved version does not specifically name India or China. Instead, it targets the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or gas by volume, as well as countries identified as helping Moscow evade US sanctions.
A House amendment has, however, explicitly included India among countries that could potentially come under the proposed tariff provisions. Whether that language remains in the final legislation will depend on the amendments adopted by the House.
The legislation would not automatically impose a 100 per cent tariff on India once it becomes law. Rather, it would provide the US president with authority to impose tariffs of up to that level under the conditions set out in the legislation.
Democrats Raise Concerns Over Trump’s Tariff Powers
The tariff provisions have also triggered opposition within Congress.
Democratic Congressman Gregory Meeks, the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has criticised the legislation for giving Trump broad authority over tariffs.
Meeks has argued that the measure gives the president excessive discretion without sufficient congressional safeguards and could expose US allies and consumers to economic consequences.
Other lawmakers have raised similar concerns, even while supporting stronger economic measures against Russia.
Senate Already Passed Bill 86-11
The US Senate approved the sanctions legislation last month by an 86-11 vote, reflecting broad bipartisan support for increasing economic pressure on Russia.
Apart from targeting countries buying Russian energy, the legislation seeks sanctions against Russian officials and the country’s energy sector.
It also targets Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” — vessels accused of helping Moscow move oil around the world while avoiding Western sanctions.
The legislation additionally extends existing US sanctions connected to Iran’s energy and weapons sectors.
Ukraine Groups Step Up Pressure in Washington
The congressional action comes amid renewed lobbying in Washington by groups supporting Ukraine.
The wider sanctions effort is aimed at reducing Moscow’s energy revenues and increasing pressure on Russia as its war against Ukraine continues.
Pro-Ukraine lawmakers and advocacy groups have pushed Congress to adopt tougher sanctions, while critics of the legislation have focused largely on the broad tariff powers it would hand to the president.
What Happens Next?
The House must still approve the legislation in a final vote.
If the House passes the same version already approved by the Senate, the bill can be sent to President Trump for his signature.
However, if the House adopts amendments that change the Senate-approved legislation, the differences between the two versions would have to be resolved before the measure could reach the president.
For India, the key issue will be the final wording of the tariff provisions and how any authority granted under the legislation is ultimately used by the Trump administration.
