Archive · 17 Sep 2026
US Sanctions Bill Puts India, China Under Russian Oil Pressure
The United States passed a bill meant to put more pressure on Russia.
The bill could place very large tariffs on countries that buy a lot of Russian oil or gas.
India and China could be affected because they are major buyers of Russian energy.
Senator Richard Blumenthal told them to buy energy from other countries instead.
The bill also targets Russian officials, banks, and ships that carry Russian energy.
Supporters say this could reduce money available for Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Critics say the bill gives President Donald Trump too much power over tariffs.
India says it needs reliable and affordable energy for its people and economy.
The bill still needs President Trump’s signature to become law.
The US House passed the Russia sanctions bill 262-159 on September 16 and sent it to President Donald Trump.
The bill could enable tariffs of up to 100 percent on major buyers of Russian oil or natural gas, including India and China.
It targets Russian officials, banks, and a tanker fleet accused of transporting Russian energy.
Senator Richard Blumenthal urged India and China to buy energy from other sources to pressure Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the Ukraine war.
India said it would protect its trade interests while maintaining secure, affordable energy supplies from diverse sellers based on market conditions.
- Who
- The United States Congress, President Donald Trump, Senator Richard Blumenthal, India, China, Russia, Ukraine, and Iran are involved.
- What
- Congress passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which could impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on major buyers of Russian energy.
- When
- The House passed the bill on September 16, 2026, after the Senate approved it the previous month.
- Where
- The legislation passed in the United States and could affect India’s and China’s trade involving Russian oil and gas.
- Why
- Supporters say the bill is intended to reduce Russian energy revenues supporting the war in Ukraine and increase pressure on Vladimir Putin to negotiate.
Supporters of the Sanctions Bill
Critics and Indian Officials
Pressure on Russian energy buyers
Supporters of the Sanctions Bill
Supporters say penalizing major buyers of Russian energy could reduce Moscow’s revenues and increase pressure on Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine.
Critics and Indian Officials
Indian officials say the measure could affect bilateral relations and the international energy market, while India maintains that its purchases support energy security.
Presidential tariff authority
Supporters of the Sanctions Bill
Supporters argue that the bill restricts new tariffs to countries buying Russian energy or facilitating sanctions evasion.
Critics and Indian Officials
Critics, including Democrats who opposed the legislation, argue that it gives President Donald Trump too much authority to impose tariffs.
India’s energy sourcing
Supporters of the Sanctions Bill
Senator Richard Blumenthal urged India and China to stop buying Russian oil and gas and obtain energy elsewhere.
Critics and Indian Officials
India says its large population and economy require secure, affordable, and reliable supplies from diverse sellers, with sourcing decisions based on market conditions.
- House vote
- 262-159 in favor of the legislation
- Potential tariffs
- Up to 100 percent on major importers of Russian oil or natural gas
- Bill
- Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026
- Russian targets
- Russian officials, banks, and a shadow fleet of tankers
- Iran provision
- Sanctions on Iran’s energy and weapons sectors would be extended by five years
- Current status
- The Senate and House have passed the bill; it is awaiting President Donald Trump’s signature
- India’s position
- India says it will protect its trade and economic interests and continue sourcing energy from diverse sellers
