Bill Moves Towards Final Vote; India Could Face Additional Tariffs Over Russian Oil Purchases
Washington, September 16, 2026: The US House of Representatives has advanced a bill aimed at imposing tougher sanctions on Russia and Iran, paving the way for a final vote that could have significant implications for countries including India.
The legislation, known as the “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026,” includes provisions that could allow the US President to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on imports from countries purchasing Russian oil and other energy products.
The House moved the legislation forward in a closely divided procedural vote, with the bill now scheduled for consideration in a final vote. The measure had earlier received strong bipartisan support in the US Senate.
India has emerged as a major buyer of Russian crude oil since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began. The proposed legislation could therefore expose Indian exports to the US to substantially higher tariffs if Washington decides to invoke the provision.
However, the proposed 100 per cent tariff is not automatically applicable to India simply because the bill advances or passes Congress. Any such tariff would depend on further action by the US administration under the legislation.
The move comes amid continuing efforts by Washington to increase economic pressure on Moscow and discourage international purchases of Russian energy. The legislation also contains provisions targeting Russian officials, financial institutions and entities accused of helping Moscow evade sanctions.
The House’s final vote and subsequent action by the US administration will determine whether and how the proposed tariff measures are implemented.
