India, China to face 100% tariff? US Senate to vote on Russia sanctions bill

The US Senate is set to begin voting on a Russia and Iran sanctions bill as Volodymyr Zelenskiy visits the Capitol on the day of Lindsey Graham's funeral. The measure is being framed as a tribute to Graham but faces bipartisan unease over tariff powers for Donald Trump.

In Short

• US Senate to vote on sweeping Russian energy sanctions bill
• Tariffs may hit China, India, EU to curb Russian oil imports
• Concerns raised over higher import costs and tariff powers

The US Senate is set to vote on a sweeping sanctions bill targeting Russia that could also have significant implications for countries such as India, one of the world's largest buyers of Russian crude oil, reported news agency Reuters.

The legislation seeks to tighten economic pressure on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine by imposing sanctions on Russian officials and giving US President Donald Trump the authority to levy tariffs of up to 100% on countries that continue to buy large volumes of Russian oil and gas.

For India, which has sharply increased purchases of discounted Russian crude since the Ukraine war began in 2022, the proposed legislation could become a key development to watch if it eventually becomes law.

WHY IS INDIA MENTIONED?

The bill would allow President Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that are major consumers of Russian energy, including India, China, Japan and some European Union countries, Reuters reported.

The aim is to discourage countries from buying Russian oil and gas, a major source of revenue for Moscow as the war in Ukraine continues.

However, the legislation is still several steps away from becoming law. Tuesday's vote is a procedural one in the Senate, and the measure would still need to clear both the Senate and the House of Representatives before reaching Trump's desk.

Even then, the proposed tariffs would not be automatic. The legislation gives the US president the discretion to decide whether and when to impose or lift them.

It is worth mentioning that India has emerged as one of the biggest buyers of Russian crude since Western sanctions reshaped global energy trade.

Russian oil has helped Indian refiners secure crude at discounted prices, supporting fuel supplies and improving refining margins.

If the proposed legislation is eventually enacted and tariffs are imposed, it could complicate India's energy trade with Russia and add another dimension to ongoing trade discussions between New Delhi and Washington.

WHAT DOES THE BILL SEEK TO DO?

The legislation—now renamed the 'Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026', would not only target Russian energy revenues but also expand measures related to Iran.

The bill seeks to reduce funding available to Russia's war effort while also restricting Iran's ability to support terrorism and advance its nuclear programme.

The Senate vote is also being seen as a tribute to late Senator Lindsey Graham, one of Ukraine's strongest supporters in the US Congress, whose funeral is being held on Tuesday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is in Washington to attend the funeral and meet US lawmakers and President Trump.

Although President Trump has expressed support for the legislation after requesting that Iran-related sanctions be added, Reuters reported that the proposal has drawn concerns from some Democratic lawmakers.

Critics argue that the measure gives the president broad new tariff powers that could also affect US allies and increase costs for American consumers.

Those concerns could make it harder for the bill to secure enough support in Congress.

For now, the legislation remains in its early stages, and any potential impact on countries such as India will depend on whether it is approved by both chambers of Congress and how the US administration chooses to use the powers provided under the bill.

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