- By Ajeet Kumar
- Tue, 15 Sep 2026 09:50 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
- US lawmakers propose amendments to Russia sanctions bill.
- Amendment seeks 100% tariffs on India for Russian oil.
- India faces critical 4-day window before US House vote.
New Delhi/Washington: In a major development, US lawmakers have submitted amendments to the Russia sanctions bill. One amendment seeks to name Russia's top trading partners, including India, in the legislation, while another proposes to scrap the section imposing tariffs altogether.
This comes just a day after New Delhi hosted a successful BRICS Summit, during which Russian President Vladimir Putin was seen holding hands with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, signalling Moscow's strong support for India's oil and nuclear energy needs. According to multiple reports in the US media, this has irked President Donald Trump, whose team is now racing against time to impose massive tariffs on India.
What is Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act?
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, passed by the US Senate by an overwhelming 86-11 vote last month, seeks to impose sanctions not only on Russia's leadership and energy sector but also on the "shadow fleet" of vessels that enable Moscow to evade sanctions on oil deliveries.
Meanwhile, the bill also seeks to authorise President Trump to impose 100 per cent tariffs on Russia’s top oil trading partners, including China and India. The version passed by the US Senate on August 7 does not name Russia’s trading partners but refers to the five largest importers of oil and gas by volume.
ALSO READ: 100% Tariff Threat Looms Over India And China Ahead Of US Senate Vote On Russia Sanctions: Reports
The US believes that Russia's crude oil trade is funding the war against Ukraine-- a belief that was recently challenged by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during his visit to the war-torn nation, Ukraine. He stated that reducing India's purchase of Russian oil will not stop the war in Ukraine and stressed that the conflict, now in its fifth year, can only be resolved through dialogue, diplomacy, and negotiation.
China, UAE among on the hit list
An amendment moved by Democratic Congressman Steny Hoyer seeks to name China, India, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Hungary, the Slovak Republic, the UAE, Singapore, Kazakhstan, and the Kyrgyz Republic as countries eligible for 100 per cent duties.
ALSO READ: US Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill Slapping 100% Tariff On Energy Buyers; Will It Affect India?
Interestingly, Democratic Congressman Gregory Meeks, who is strongly opposed to granting additional tariff-levying powers to Trump, has moved an amendment to scrap the entire Section 113, which seeks to grant the President authority to impose broad secondary tariffs on Russia’s trading partners. Meeks' amendment has three co-sponsors.The amendments to the Russia sanctions act were made public by the House Rules Committee on Monday.
Another amendment moved by Meeks seeks to allow the President to waive sanctions applicable to a foreign person for a period of 90 days, with provision for renewal for additional 90-day periods if it is “vital to the national security of the US.
”Meeks has also moved an amendment seeking to authorise USD 15 billion in direct loans to Ukraine for financing the procurement of defence articles and services.
Why is this a big blow to India?
The bill must be passed by the House of Representatives before it can be sent to the President for signature. The House has only four working days left before it breaks for an early recess ahead of the midterm elections on November 3. This means the next four days will be crucial for New Delhi, as India is already facing pressure from the US-led actions against Iran, which have disrupted traditional oil routes in the Middle East. The US has already imposed sanctions on Iran, making Russia a key supplier for New Delhi. Now, the Trump administration is planning to cut off that route as well.
(With inputs from agencies)