Russia Sanctions Bill targeting India, China with 100 per cent tariffs clears US House

The US House of Representatives has passed a Russia Sanctions Bill that gives the Donald Trump administration the power to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries that continue to buy Russian oil and gas. India is among the five biggest purchasers that could face such action.

The Bill, officially titled the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, cleared the House with a 262-159 vote. It had already received strong backing in the Senate and will now go to President Donald Trump for approval.

What the Bill means for India

The legislation does not make tariffs on Russian energy buyers automatic. Instead, it gives the Trump administration the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas.

Besides India and China, Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan are among the countries likely to come under scrutiny. The Bill also provides exemptions for several US allies in Europe, citing their efforts to reduce energy purchases from Russia.

India has continued to maintain that its energy purchases are guided by its own interests.

“..I want to reiterate once again that as far as energy sourcing is concerned by India, that is based on our national interest,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a press briefing in Delhi this week when asked about the Russia sanctions Bill.

Bill moved quickly through House

The legislation's passage came after Republicans unexpectedly brought it to the House floor this week. Its future had appeared uncertain just days earlier, amid disagreements between Republicans and Democrats over giving Trump wider tariff powers ahead of the November midterm elections.

The House Rules Committee removed a procedural hurdle on Monday, paving the way for a vote. On Tuesday, the House voted 214-211 to clear the way for the final vote, with two Democratic lawmakers joining Republicans.

The Bill's progress also comes amid questions over the White House's position. US Ambassador Sergio Gor had said last month that Trump's support for the measure was muted.

However, recent US media reports have suggested that the White House may have helped secure Democratic backing.

“Today is a big day. Congress has just sent an unmistakable message to Putin,” Senator Jeanne Shaheen said after the Bill's passage.