The U.S. Senate has passed a sweeping Russia sanctions bill that could give President Donald Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that remain major buyers of Russian oil and natural gas, putting India and China among the countries potentially in the crosshairs.
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 passed the Senate by an overwhelming 86-11 vote on Friday. The legislation is aimed at increasing economic pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine and reducing international dependence on Russian energy.
India and China in Focus
India and China are among the world’s largest purchasers of Russian crude oil, making them particularly vulnerable to the proposed measure. If the bill becomes law and the tariff authority is exercised, U.S. imports from affected countries could face tariffs of as much as 100%.
However, the 100% tariffs are not automatic. The legislation would provide the U.S. president with the authority to impose such tariffs, meaning the actual level and timing would remain subject to executive action.
The measure represents an attempt by Washington to target not only Russia but also countries that continue to provide an important source of revenue for the Russian economy through energy purchases.
Bill Still Needs House Approval
Despite its strong Senate backing, the legislation is not yet law. It must also clear the U.S. House of Representatives before it can reach the president.
The House has shown greater reservations about granting the president broad tariff powers. Critics have warned that extensive tariffs could increase costs for American consumers and create disruption across global supply chains. An effort to remove the tariff authority from the Senate bill was rejected.
What It Could Mean for India
For India, the legislation comes at a sensitive time for U.S.-India trade relations. Russian crude has become an important component of India’s energy imports, particularly because of the price advantages offered by Russian supplies.
A potential 100% U.S. tariff could significantly affect Indian exporters selling goods to the American market if Washington ultimately uses the authority against India. Businesses across sectors could face higher costs and reduced competitiveness in the U.S. market.
At the same time, any major reduction in Russian oil purchases could have implications for India’s energy costs and broader trade strategy.
A New Pressure Point in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
The legislation reflects a broader shift in U.S. sanctions policy: instead of focusing exclusively on Russia, Washington is seeking to put pressure on countries that continue to purchase Russian energy.
With the Senate vote now complete, attention will turn to the House and to how the Trump administration might use the proposed powers if Congress ultimately approves the measure.
For India and China, the immediate threat is therefore potential rather than an imposed 100% tariff. But the Senate vote has nevertheless created a significant new risk for trade and energy relations involving Washington, New Delhi, Beijing and Moscow.
