US House Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces 100% Tariff Threat

Washington: The US House of Representatives has passed a bill that gives President Donald Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries, including India, that purchase Russian crude oil and natural gas. The bill, which passed 262-159, now goes to Trump for his signature. Named the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, the legislation had earlier cleared the Senate by an 86-11 vote on August 7. The measure targets Russia's energy sector and other parts of its economy, while also extending sanctions on Iran. The legislation authorises tariffs of up to 100% on countries that import Russian-origin crude oil or natural gas or facilitate the evasion of sanctions. An amendment considered by the House specifically listed India, China, Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Slovakia, the UAE, Singapore, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan among countries eligible for such duties. The bill has drawn criticism over the breadth of the tariff powers it would give the US president. Some lawmakers have also raised concerns about the potential economic impact on US allies and the scope for presidential discretion. For India, the legislation comes amid ongoing discussions with Washington on trade. The measure would give the US administration an additional mechanism to pressure countries that continue purchasing Russian energy. The bill is not yet law; it requires Trump's signature before it takes effect