Trump signs Russia sanction bill into law

Washington: US President Donald Trump has signed the Russia and Iran sanctions bill that gives him the power to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries that continue major business with Moscow.

India and China, which are among the biggest buyers of Russian energy, could potentially come under the new measures. The White House on Friday said Trump signed the HR 5334, formally known as the “Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026”, on Friday, September 18.

The law expands sanctions and other economic restrictions on Russia while extending existing measures targeting Iran. The legislation does not automatically impose a 100 per cent tariff on India. Any such tariff would depend on whether Trump decides to use the authority granted to him under the new law.

The exact impact on Indian exports will therefore become clearer only if and when Washington announces specific measures. New Delhi has already expressed concern over the possible consequences of the legislation, particularly for India-US relations and global energy markets.

The Ministry of External Affairs said India was closely monitoring developments and reiterated that securing energy supplies remained a priority for the country. “India remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people,” the ministry said. India will continue to purchase energy from different sources depending on prices, availability and prevailing market conditions, the MEA said. The ministry added that the issue had been discussed with senior US officials in recent months, with India conveying its concerns about the possible impact on bilateral ties as well as international energy markets. The issue is particularly significant for India because the country depends heavily on imported crude.

India imports more than 88 per cent of the crude oil it consumes, according to data cited by the Global Trade Research Initiative. Russian oil has become an important part of India’s energy mix since the Russia-Ukraine war disrupted established global oil trade routes. Indian refiners have continued to purchase Russian crude, with price, availability and market conditions among the factors influencing their decisions. The new US law is aimed at putting greater economic pressure on Moscow by targeting Russian officials, banks, energy interests and foreign entities that support Russia’s military activities. The Senate passed the legislation by an 86-11 vote, while the Republican-led House approved it 262-159.

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The Hans India