2 hrs ago
US Russia Sanctions Bill Threatens India With Tariffs
The US Congress passed a bill aimed at putting more pressure on Russia.
The bill could punish countries that buy Russian oil and gas.
India has been one of the biggest buyers of Russian oil since the war in Ukraine began in 2022.
If President Donald Trump signs the bill, India could face tariffs as high as 100 percent.
Senator Richard Blumenthal told India and China to buy energy from other places.
The bill would also continue sanctions against Iran’s energy and weapons sectors for five more years.
Some lawmakers worry that the bill gives the president too much power over tariffs.
India said it has explained its concerns to the US government and will protect its trade interests.
The US House passed the Russia sanctions bill 262-159 and sent it to President Donald Trump.
India could face tariffs of up to 100% if Trump signs the bill into law.
The bill targets countries buying Russian oil and gas to reduce revenue supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Senator Richard Blumenthal urged India and China to stop buying Russian energy.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said it would protect the country’s trade and economic interests.
- Who
- The US Congress, President Donald Trump, Senator Richard Blumenthal, India, China, Russia, and Iran.
- What
- Congress passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which could impose tariffs on countries buying Russian energy.
- Where
- The action took place in the United States and could affect India’s trade with the United States and Russia.
- When
- The House passed the bill on Wednesday; the article says the Senate passed it the previous month. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.
- Why
- The bill aims to reduce Russian energy revenue supporting its war in Ukraine and extend sanctions targeting Iran.
Supporters and US Sanctions Advocates
Critics and Indian Officials
Using tariffs to pressure Russian energy buyers
Supporters and US Sanctions Advocates
Supporters say the bill targets countries buying Russian energy or helping evade sanctions and is intended to reduce revenue supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Critics and Indian Officials
Critics say the bill gives the president too much authority over tariffs; India warned of consequences for the bilateral relationship and international energy markets.
India’s purchases of Russian oil
Supporters and US Sanctions Advocates
Senator Richard Blumenthal said India and China should stop buying Russian oil and gas and called for purchasing energy elsewhere.
Critics and Indian Officials
India said it had clearly communicated the potential effects to the Trump administration and would take steps to protect its trade and economic interests.
Key facts
- House vote
- 262-159 in favor of the bill
- Potential tariff
- Up to 100% for affected countries
- Bill name
- Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026
- Targeted energy
- Russian oil and gas
- Additional sanctions
- Iran’s energy and weapons sectors for five years
- India’s response
- The Ministry of External Affairs said India would take necessary measures to protect its trade and economic interests
- Presidential action
- The bill was sent to President Donald Trump, who has previously indicated he would sign it
Quotes
Richard Blumenthal
US senator commenting on the Russia sanctions bill and countries buying Russian energy
“To China and India: You better clean up your act. Buy your oil and gas somewhere else. Appeasement is not a strategy.”
firstpost.com
India’s Ministry of External Affairs
Indian government ministry responding to the bill’s potential effects
“Its potential implications for not just the bilateral relationship but also the international energy market have been very clearly articulated by the Indian side. The Indian side has also made clear its determination to take all necessary measures to protect its trade and economic interests. Government will work closely with Indian trade and industry bodies to deal with the implications of these developments.”
firstpost.com
Sources
Related news
House Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Tariff Risk
US House Passes Russia Sanctions Bill With India Tariff Risk
US Russia Sanctions Bill Puts India Under Tariff Pressure
US Russia Sanctions Bill Raises India Tariff Risk
House Weighs Russia Sanctions Bill Naming India for Tariffs
US House Passes Bill Allowing 100% Tariffs Over Russian Oil
North Korean Workers Build Russian Drones Under Student Visas
India and China Urged to Unite for Global Peace
Lavrov Warns Western Troops in Ukraine Would Mean War
Russian Missiles and Drones Strike Kyiv, Injuring Four People
