Trump To Consider Russia Sanctions Bill With 100% Tariff Power Over India, China

US President Donald Trump can sign a broad sanctions bill against Russia that would give him authority to impose up to a 100% tariff on India, China and other nations which continue to purchase Russian oil and gas.

Following Wednesday's passage in the House, the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 has passed both houses of the US Congress and been sent to Trump.

The measure seeks to increase economic pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine while also expanding sanctions targeting Iran.

Bill Does Not Automatically Impose 100% Tariff

A key provision of the legislation gives the US president the power to impose tariffs of as much as 100% on countries that continue to purchase Russian energy.

However, the legislation itself does not automatically introduce a 100% tariff on India or China. Any such tariff would depend on a decision by Trump if the bill is signed into law.

The provision has drawn criticism from Democrats, who have argued that it would grant the president broad authority to impose tariffs with limited restrictions.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticised the measure, arguing that it could give Trump extensive powers affecting American consumers and businesses. Democrats have also questioned provisions that allow the president to consider US national interests when deciding whether to apply sanctions.

Russia's Energy Sector, 'Shadow Fleet' In Focus

The bill targets Russia's energy and defence industries and its so-called “shadow fleet” of vessels allegedly used to circumvent existing sanctions.

The legislation is intended to reduce revenues that Moscow receives from energy exports and other activities that the US says help finance the war in Ukraine.

India and China have come into focus because of their continued imports of Russian oil and gas.

The Senate had already approved the legislation last month. The House subsequently passed it by 262 votes to 159, with 58 Democrats joining most Republicans in supporting the bill.

China Objects To US Sanctions Powers

China has criticised the legislation, with a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson opposing what Beijing described as the use of “long-arm jurisdiction” without a basis in international law.

The legislation's passage now puts the focus on whether Trump will sign it and, if so, how the administration could use the authority provided under the measure.

For India, the immediate implication is the potential for higher US tariffs linked to Russian energy purchases, rather than an automatic 100% tariff resulting from the bill itself.

The legislation also contains provisions expanding sanctions related to Iran, adding another component to the broader US economic pressure framework.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susmita Modak

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Always love to raise the unraised matter. In a world of worries, I am always ready to come over my comfort zone and taking the step ahead of spreading awareness.

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