NEW DELHI: India could face US tariffs of up to 100% on its exports to the United States after the US House of Representatives passed legislation giving President Donald Trump broad powers to penalise countries that continue buying Russian oil and gas.
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 passed the House by 262 votes to 159 on Wednesday and now goes to Trump for his signature. The Senate approved the legislation in August by 86 votes to 11.
The measure authorises the president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the five biggest purchasers of Russian oil or natural gas, with some exceptions for countries taking significant steps to reduce their dependence on Russian energy. India is among the major buyers.
The legislation would give Trump the authority to impose a 100% tariff on Indian goods after the law takes effect.
US pressure on India
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal urged India to stop buying Russian energy after the House vote.
“India, you better buy your oil and gas somewhere else,” Blumenthal told reporters.
The legislation is intended to increase economic pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine. It also targets Russian officials, banks, the energy sector and vessels involved in sanctions evasion, while extending sanctions related to Iran.
India has emerged as one of Russia’s biggest crude customers since the Russia-Ukraine war started in February 2022. Russian crude displaced from Western markets has flowed to Indian refineries, often at discounted prices.
The arrangement has provided Indian refiners with a large source of crude and helped reduce the cost of one of the country’s biggest imports. It has also increasingly exposed New Delhi to geopolitical and sanctions-related risks.
India heavily reliant on Russian crude
According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), India accounted for about 37% of Russia’s crude exports between December 2022 and August 2026.
The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), a Delhi-based think tank, estimates that Russian crude accounted for 30.3% of India’s crude imports in fiscal 2026, worth $40.8 billion out of a total crude import bill of $134.7 billion.
In July, Russian crude accounted for more than half of India’s crude imports, according to GTRI.
India’s imports from Russia have nevertheless become less advantageous as discounts have narrowed. Competition for Russian barrels has increased, while shipping, insurance and sanctions risks have also risen.
The latest threat follows an earlier round of US tariffs on Indian goods that peaked at 50% in 2025.
