US Congress Passes Bill Threatening 100% Tariffs on India and China for Russian Oil Purchases

Key points

• The US House passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by a vote of 262-159, sending it to President Trump for signature.
• The legislation authorizes tariffs of up to 100% on the top five importers of Russian oil or gas, with exceptions for countries importing less than 15% of their gas from Russia.
• India’s foreign ministry stated it had clearly articulated the potential implications for US-India ties and international energy markets, vowing to protect its economic interests.
• Senator Richard Blumenthal publicly urged India and China to 'clean up their act' and source energy elsewhere, calling appeasement a failed strategy.
• Some Republicans and Democrats privately opposed the bill, fearing the expanded tariff authority would raise prices for American consumers ahead of the midterms.

Background

This development follows months of diplomatic tension, including Prime Minister Modi’s recent meeting with President Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit and the BRICS summit in New Delhi. India has consistently maintained that its large population requires secure and affordable energy, resisting pressure to reduce Russian oil imports despite Western sanctions on Moscow.

How outlets are covering it

Al Jazeera and NDTV emphasize India’s diplomatic pushback and the direct warnings from US officials like Senator Blumenthal. CNN and CBS News highlight internal US political divisions, noting that while most Republicans supported the bill, some privately feared it gave Trump excessive tariff power. Democrats were split, with leaders like Hakeem Jeffries opposing the measure due to concerns over inflation, while others supported it to aid Ukraine.

Why it matters

The bill could significantly disrupt global energy markets and strain US-India relations, as New Delhi faces a choice between maintaining its energy security strategy or complying with US demands to avoid severe economic penalties. It also sets a precedent for using tariffs as a primary tool in geopolitical sanctions.

What to watch

President Trump is expected to sign the bill into law. India’s government will coordinate with trade bodies to assess the legislation’s impact, while US lawmakers will monitor whether the administration implements the maximum tariff levels or seeks waivers.