US House moves forward bill allowing 100% tariff on India over Russian oil purchases

The US House of Representatives has advanced legislation that would give President Donald Trump the power to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries buying Russian oil and gas, with India among the countries specifically named in a new House amendment.

The House on Tuesday cleared a procedural vote on the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by 214-211, paving the way for a final vote on Thursday.

The legislation, which has already passed the US Senate by an 86-11 vote, seeks tougher sanctions on Russia over its war in Ukraine and targets its energy sector and vessels accused of helping evade sanctions. It also includes provisions related to Iran.

A House amendment proposed by Democratic Congressman Steny Hoyer would specifically name India, China, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Slovakia, the UAE, Singapore, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan as countries eligible for duties of up to 100 per cent over purchases of Russian crude oil or natural gas or for facilitating sanctions evasion.

However, the provision does not automatically impose a 100 per cent tariff on India. Instead, it would make India eligible for such duties if the legislation becomes law and the US president exercises the authority granted under it.

The move comes amid continued US scrutiny of India’s purchases of Russian crude. India has maintained that its Russian oil imports are driven by energy-security considerations.

The House debate has also exposed divisions over the bill. Some lawmakers have sought to remove or limit the broad tariff powers granted to the president, while others support stronger economic pressure on Russia. A House amendment seeking to strike the secondary-tariff provision was rejected by the Rules Committee.

If the House passes the legislation, it would move to the next stage of the US legislative process before potentially reaching the White House.