Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Trump Signs Russia-Iran Sanctions Law, Threatening Tariffs on India, China
President Donald Trump signed a new law to put more economic pressure on Russia.
The law is connected to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
It targets Russian leaders, banks, energy companies, defense businesses, and ships accused of helping avoid sanctions.
It also continues some sanctions against Iran.
The law lets Trump place tariffs as high as 100% on goods from some of the biggest buyers of Russian oil and gas.
India and China could be affected because they buy significant amounts of Russian energy.
However, the tariffs are not automatic, and Trump must decide whether to impose them and at what rates.
India says it will keep buying energy from different sources to protect its energy security.
The signing came shortly before Trump’s planned September 24 meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
President Donald Trump signed H.R. 5334, the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, on September 18.
The law targets Russian officials, banks, energy and defense sectors, military supporters, and the shadow fleet of sanctions-evasion tankers.
It authorizes tariffs of up to 100% on goods from countries among the five largest purchasers of Russian oil or natural gas.
India and China could be affected, but the law does not automatically impose a 100% tariff; Trump will decide whether and how to use the authority.
India says it will continue diversifying energy purchases, while critics warn the expanded tariff powers could damage trade and global energy markets.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump, the US Congress, Russia, India, China, Ukraine, and countries buying Russian energy are central to the reports.
- What
- Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, expanding sanctions and authorizing potential tariffs of up to 100% on major purchasers of Russian oil or gas.
- When
- Trump signed the law on Friday, September 18, 2026, two days after the House passed it; one report says it takes effect within 30 days.
- Where
- The law was enacted in the United States and could affect trade involving Russia, India, China, and other countries.
- Why
- The legislation is intended to reduce Russia’s energy revenues and increase pressure over its war in Ukraine.
Supporters of Pressure on Russia
Critics and Potentially Affected Countries
Economic pressure on Moscow
Supporters of Pressure on Russia
Supporters say targeting Russia’s energy revenues, officials, financial institutions, defense industry, military supporters, and shadow fleet could reduce resources available for the war in Ukraine.
Critics and Potentially Affected Countries
Critics and affected countries warn that broader sanctions and tariffs could disrupt global energy markets, harm trade, and create economic consequences for Americans.
Presidential tariff authority
Supporters of Pressure on Russia
Supporters argue that giving Trump discretion over countries, products, rates, and waivers allows the United States to respond flexibly to major purchasers of Russian energy.
Critics and Potentially Affected Countries
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries questioned whether Congress should give Trump broad or “unfettered” authority to impose tariffs that could adversely affect Americans.
India’s Russian energy purchases
Supporters of Pressure on Russia
Supporters of the measure argue that tariffs on major buyers could discourage purchases that provide revenue to Moscow.
Critics and Potentially Affected Countries
India says it will continue sourcing energy from different suppliers according to price, availability, and market conditions, while warning that the measures could affect India-US relations and global energy markets.
- Law
- H.R. 5334, the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026
- Congressional votes
- The Senate approved the bill 86-11, and the House passed it 262-159.
- Potential buyer tariffs
- Up to 100% on goods from countries among the five largest purchasers of Russian oil or natural gas.
- Russian targets
- Officials, banks and other financial institutions, energy and defense sectors, military supporters, and the shadow fleet.
- Presidential discretion
- Trump decides which countries and products are covered, the tariff rates, and whether waivers apply.
- India’s energy exposure
- India imports more than 88% of its crude needs; Russian crude accounted for 51.1% of its crude imports in July 2026, worth $7.27 billion.
- Gas exception
- A country may be exempt from gas-related duties if Russian gas represented less than 15% of Russia’s exports and it took significant steps to reduce those imports.
- Upcoming meeting
- Trump is due to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington on September 24.
Sources
Trump signs Russia sanction bill into law
Trump Signs Russia Sanctions Bill, Clears Way For 100% India Tariffs
Trump signs Russia sanction bill into law
Trump signs Russia-Iran sanctions bill, India, China faces risk of tariffs up to 100%
Trump To Sign Russia Sanctions Bill Today, Enabling 100% Tariffs On India, US Official Says
Trump Signs Bill Allowing 100% Tariffs On India, China Over Russian Oil Ahead Of Xi Meet
Trump Signs Russia Sanctions Bill Allowing 100% Tariffs on India
Trump signs Russia sanctions bill with up to 100% tariff threat for India, China
Trump Signs Russia Sanctions Bill, Clears Way For 100% Tariffs On India, China
