The US House of Representatives on Tuesday advanced a bill that could allow US President Donald Trump to impose 100 per cent tariffs on India and other major buyers of Russian oil and gas, bringing the measure closer to becoming law. The bill also seeks to extend sanctions on Russia and Iran.The Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 cleared a key procedural vote by 214-211, with two Democrats joining Republicans in backing the measure. The House is expected to hold a final vote on the bill on Wednesday.For India, the bill is significant because it could give Trump the authority to impose punitive tariffs on countries that continue buying Russian energy. India is among Russia’s major oil buyers and has sharply increased its purchases of discounted Russian crude since the Ukraine war began.The Senate had already passed the bill on August 7 by an overwhelming 86-11 vote. The Senate version does not specifically name India or China. Instead, it refers to the five largest importers of Russian oil and gas by volume.If the House passes the bill, it will have to be sent to Trump for his signature before it can become law.
What the bill means for India
The proposed measure could expose Indian exports to the US to tariffs of up to 100 per cent if Trump uses the authority against countries buying Russian energy.The bill is aimed at putting further economic pressure on Moscow by targeting countries that continue to trade in Russian oil and gas. The US has argued that revenue from Russia’s crude oil trade helps fund its war against Ukraine.The measure would also target Russia’s leadership and energy sector, along with the “shadow fleet” of vessels used to transport Russian oil and evade sanctions.The potential tariff threat comes as India continues to balance its energy needs and its ties with both Russia and the US.
House vote shocks Democrats
The procedural vote was approved 214-211 after two Democratic lawmakers broke ranks and voted with Republicans, a move that reportedly shocked House Democratic leadership.Democratic Congressman Gregory Meeks, the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, had opposed the legislation on Monday. He argued that it would give Trump broad powers to impose tariffs without sufficient safeguards.The bill is now expected to face a final House vote on Wednesday.The timing is also significant as pro-Ukraine groups have intensified lobbying efforts in Washington.The Ukraine Action Summit, organised by the American Coalition for Ukraine, is currently being held in Washington to lobby US lawmakers for continued support for Kyiv.
What happens next
The House is due to break for an early recess on Thursday and is expected to reconvene on November 9 after the US midterm elections.The immediate focus is therefore on Wednesday’s vote. If the House approves the legislation, it will move to the next stage of the lawmaking process and could eventually reach Trump’s desk.
