America Opens Path for 100% Tariff on Indian Purchases of Russian Oil, Bill Goes to Trump's Desk
**International Desk:** America has moved towards increasing commercial pressure on countries like India and China due to oil imports from Russia. A new sanctions bill concerning Russia and Iran has been passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. If this becomes law, the U.S. administration could gain the power to impose tariffs of up to 100% on products from countries purchasing Russian energy.
However, a 100% tariff on Indian products is not currently in effect. After the House vote, the bill will now go to President Donald Trump. If he signs it, it will become law. Following that, the administration will have to decide on imposing tariffs according to the law.
#### Passed in the House with a Vote of 262-159
The bill, titled ‘Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026’, was passed in the U.S. House on Wednesday with a vote of 262-159. The bill had previously been approved in the U.S. Senate. Therefore, the proposal is now awaiting the President's approval.
The main aim of the bill is to increase pressure on Russia's energy trade and encourage countries that engage in economic transactions with Moscow to reduce that trade. Additionally, there are provisions for further sanctions against Russia and Iran.
#### Why is India in the Crosshairs?
After the Ukraine war, while some Western countries imposed sanctions on Russia, India has continued to buy crude oil from Russia at comparatively cheaper rates. As a result, India has become one of the largest oil buyers from Russia.
However, recent statistics show fluctuations in Russian oil imports. According to Reuters, in August, India imported approximately **1.87 million barrels per day** of crude oil from Russia, which is lower than July's nearly 2.79 million barrels per day.
China is also one of the largest buyers of Russian oil. Therefore, if the proposed U.S. law is enacted, it could impact trade relations between Washington and both India and China.
#### What Will Trump Do Now?
House approval does not mean that a 100% tariff on India will be imposed immediately. After the bill goes to the President, whether Trump will sign it or not, and how he will use the powers granted later, is the main issue now.
Another point raised in discussions among experts is that this power could be used not only as a tool for imposing sanctions but also as a means to create pressure in trade and energy discussions with India and China. However, this is a potential diplomatic strategy; Trump's final decision is still unknown.
#### Is a 100% Tariff Certain?
No. The proposed law creates the opportunity to impose tariffs of **up to 100%**. This means that a 100% tariff is not mandatory, and how much tariff will be imposed on India, or whether it will be imposed at all, will depend on subsequent administrative decisions.
The global energy market is also currently facing various geopolitical issues. In addition to Russia's oil supply, conflicts in the Middle East have created pressure on supply and prices in the international oil market.
As a result, after the bill's passage in the House, all eyes are now on Washington—**whether Trump imposes any tariffs on India using this new power is the next big question.**
