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Trump Signs Russia Sanctions Law, Raising India Tariff Threat
Donald Trump signed a new law aimed at putting more pressure on Russia and its economic partners.
The law lets the United States consider tariffs as high as 100% on some countries that buy Russian oil or gas.
India could be affected because it buys a large amount of Russian crude.
However, India does not automatically face a 100% tariff.
The United States would first decide whether to use the law and how large the tariff should be.
Indian exports such as medicines, clothing, electronics, and machinery could become more expensive in the American market.
If India buys less Russian oil, it may need to purchase oil from other places at a higher cost.
India says it will protect energy supplies for its people and defend its trade interests.
The issue could become part of future discussions between India and the United States.
Donald Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 on September 18, giving the United States authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on qualifying Russian-energy buyers.
The law does not automatically impose a 100% tariff on Indian goods; the administration would decide whether to act, at what rate, and under what conditions.
India is among the major buyers of Russian crude, which accounted for more than 40% of its oil supplies according to Reuters, with September and October supplies already secured.
Potentially affected Indian exports include engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, textiles, chemicals, electronics, gems and jewellery, petroleum products, and other manufactured goods.
India says it will prioritize energy security through diversified sourcing while assessing the law and protecting its trade and economic interests.
- Who
- United States President Donald Trump signed the law; India and other major buyers of Russian energy could face measures under it.
- What
- The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 expands sanctions and authorizes possible tariffs of up to 100% on qualifying imports from countries buying Russian crude or natural gas or evading sanctions.
- Where
- The law was passed by the United States Congress and could affect Indian goods entering the United States.
- When
- Donald Trump signed the law on September 18, 2026, after congressional approval; the House passed it on September 16 and the Senate approved it in August.
- Why
- The measure is intended to restrict revenue flowing to Russia from energy exports and increase economic pressure over the war in Ukraine.
United States pressure
India’s energy position
Russian oil purchases
United States pressure
Washington can use the new statutory framework to pressure major purchasers of Russian energy and reduce revenue flowing to Moscow.
India’s energy position
New Delhi says its energy policy must protect energy security for 1.4 billion people and follow changing market conditions.
Possible tariffs
United States pressure
The United States may impose tariffs of up to 100% on qualifying imports, although the administration retains discretion and waiver powers.
India’s energy position
India does not face an automatic 100% tariff and says it will take necessary measures to protect its trade and economic interests.
Replacing Russian crude
United States pressure
The law creates additional pressure on countries to reduce purchases of Russian crude or natural gas.
India’s energy position
India can diversify supplies, but replacing discounted Russian crude could raise costs because of prices, freight, refinery requirements, and availability.
Key facts
- Maximum authorized tariff
- Up to 100% on qualifying imports
- India’s Russian crude share
- More than 40% of India’s overall oil supplies, according to Reuters
- House vote
- 262-159 on September 16, 2026
- Senate vote
- 86-11 in August 2026
- Potentially exposed sectors
- Engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, textiles, chemicals, electronics, gems and jewellery, petroleum products, and other manufactured goods
- India’s crude import dependence
- More than 80% of its crude oil requirements
- Previous additional US tariff
- The United States imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports in 2025 over Russian oil purchases, then removed it in February 2026
Quotes
India’s Ministry of External Affairs
India’s foreign ministry, responding to the US legislation
“As stated on several earlier occasions, India remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people. It will continue to do so through diversified sourcing and on the basis of evolving market dynamics.”
wionews.com
“The Government of India has noted the passage of the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act in the US Congress. We are monitoring further developments on this matter.”
wionews.com
Sources
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