US Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill Slapping 100% Tariff On Energy Buyers; Will It Affect India?

The United States Senate on Friday passed a major sanctions bill aimed at increasing economic pressure on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. The legislation can also put countries such as India and China under tariff pressure because they are major buyers of Russian oil. The bill will now move to the US House of Representatives, where lawmakers are expected to consider it after the summer recess on August 31.

US Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill

If the House approves the bill and President Donald Trump signs it into law, the US president can impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries that are major buyers of Russian energy. The Senate passed the “Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026” by an overwhelming 86-11 vote. The bill also includes expanded sanctions on Iran.

The legislation was backed by the late South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who was one of the strongest supporters of Ukraine in the US Congress. Before his death on July 11, Graham had announced that he and Trump had agreed to move forward with the legislation. The main purpose of the legislation is to reduce Russia’s revenue from oil and gas.

STORY | US Senate passes Russia sanctions bill that seeks 100% tariffs on India, four others

The US Senate voted overwhelmingly to approve a bill to punish Russia and key buyers of its petroleum products, such as China and India, claiming that such trade helps fuel the Ukraine… pic.twitter.com/k0IefCmnh3

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 8, 2026

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Will India Face Tariff Pressure?

If the bill becomes law, the US president will have the power to impose tariffs on countries that buy large amounts of Russian oil or gas. The tariffs may go as high as 100 per cent. The move can affect India as it is among the major buyers of Russian oil. Other countries that may face pressure under the legislation include Japan, China, Turkiye, Slovakia, Hungary and some countries in the European Union are among those that could face pressure under the legislation.

Furthermore, if it becomes law and tariffs are imposed on India, Indian exports to the US can face higher costs. However, the bill does not automatically impose a 100 per cent tariff on India. It gives the US president the authority to impose such tariffs. This implies the final decision would be up to the Trump administration.

ALSO READ: Pay Putin, Pay America: 60 US Senators Back New Bill Proposing 100% Tariffs On India, China Over Russian Oil Purchases

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