Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Trump’s Russia Sanctions Law Puts India Under Fresh Tariff Pressure
Donald Trump signed a new United States law designed to put more economic pressure on Russia.
The law lets the US consider tariffs as high as 100% on goods from some countries that buy Russian oil or gas.
India could be affected because it buys a large share of its oil from Russia.
However, India does not automatically receive a 100% tariff.
US officials can decide whether to impose a tariff, how large it should be and which products it would cover.
The law also allows waivers in certain circumstances.
India could buy more oil from West Asia, Africa, North America, South America and other suppliers.
But replacing Russian oil could cost more because of prices, shipping problems and refinery needs.
India says keeping enough affordable energy for its people is its main priority.
Donald Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 on September 18 after it passed Congress.
The law authorizes additional tariffs of up to 100% on qualifying imports from major Russian-energy buyers, but does not impose that rate automatically.
India is vulnerable because Russian crude supplied more than 40% of its oil imports in August, with Kpler data putting the share at 45%.
Replacing Russian oil could raise India’s costs because of higher prices, shipping risks, refinery requirements and limited alternative supplies.
India says it will protect energy security through diversified sourcing while assessing the law and defending its trade and economic interests.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump signed the law; India, China and other major Russian-energy buyers could face measures under it.
- What
- The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 expands Russia-related sanctions and authorizes possible tariffs of up to 100% on qualifying imports from countries buying Russian crude or natural gas.
- When
- Trump signed the law on September 18, 2026; the House passed it 262-159 on September 16, and the Senate approved it 86-11 in August.
- Where
- The law was enacted in the United States and could affect Indian goods entering the US market.
- Why
- The measure is intended to reduce revenue flowing to Russia and increase economic pressure over the war in Ukraine.
US sanctions pressure
India’s energy-security position
Using tariff authority
US sanctions pressure
Washington can use the law to pressure major purchasers of Russian energy and reduce revenue flowing to Moscow.
India’s energy-security position
India faces no automatic 100% tariff and says it will take necessary measures to protect its trade and economic interests.
Reducing Russian oil purchases
US sanctions pressure
The legislation increases pressure on India and other major buyers to reduce purchases of Russian crude or natural gas.
India’s energy-security position
India says energy policy must protect its population and respond to market conditions, making an immediate major reduction difficult.
Effect on global oil prices
US sanctions pressure
Restricting purchases from Russian-energy buyers is intended to increase economic pressure on Russia over the war in Ukraine.
India’s energy-security position
Indian officials and analysts cited in the articles warn that removing large volumes of Russian oil could worsen shortages and raise global prices while energy supplies are already disrupted.
- Maximum authorized tariff
- Up to 100% on qualifying imports; the rate is not automatic.
- India’s Russian crude share
- More than 40% of India’s oil supplies; Kpler data cited in the articles put the August share at 45%.
- India’s crude import dependence
- More than 80% of crude requirements, with one article estimating dependence above 88%.
- Congressional votes
- House: 262-159 on September 16; Senate: 86-11 in August.
- August Russian crude imports
- India imported 2.08 million barrels per day from Russia, according to Kpler data cited in one article.
- Potentially exposed Indian sectors
- Engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, textiles and garments, chemicals, electronics, gems and jewellery, petroleum products and other manufactured goods.
- Previous US tariff
- The US imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports in 2025 over Russian oil purchases, then removed it in February 2026.
Sources
As Trump gets 100% tariff power, why India will find it tough to cut Russian oil imports
Will US President Donald Trump detonate his 100% Russian tariff bomb?
Trump signs Russia sanctions law: India faces fresh 100% tariff threat over Russian oil
