100% Tariff Threat Looms On India With  Senate Approving Russia Sanctions Bill

WASHINGTON, DC – The US Senate has passed a sweeping Russia sanctions bill that exposes India and other major buyers of Russian energy to tariffs of up to 100 per cent, raising concerns over potential trade implications.

The legislation, titled the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, was passed by an 86-11 vote and now moves to the House of Representatives, where some lawmakers have raised objections to its tariff provisions.

The bill does not name specific countries but mandates the US administration to identify them using trade data. It targets the largest importers of Russian crude oil and natural gas, as well as countries facilitating sanctions evasion, with reviews every 180 days.

India, China and Brazil were referenced separately by Republican Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska in a supporting statement, though not in the statutory text.

“The Kremlin’s war machine runs on the money it makes from selling cheap oil and gas to countries like China, India, and Brazil who then profit by reselling Russian energy at a markup,” Fischer said. “It is long overdue for these enablers to pay a price.”

The bill proposes primary and secondary sanctions against Russian officials, oligarchs, banks and financial institutions, and also targets networks such as the so-called “shadow fleet” used to bypass sanctions.

“Today we say to the people of Ukraine, you are not alone. And we say to Vladimir Putin, you will not conquer Ukraine,” said Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut.

The legislation is named after Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who negotiated key elements with the White House before his death on July 11.

Tariff provisions have drawn criticism from some lawmakers, who argue they grant sweeping authority to US President Donald Trump.

The House of Representatives is in recess until August 31 and has not indicated when it will take up the bill. (IANS)