A new US bill has raised questions about possible tariffs on India. The discussion started after a Russia-related sanctions bill crossed its first hurdle.
The bill may give President Donald Trump authority to impose 100% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas. India remains among the countries mentioned in discussions around the proposed measure. However, the exact tariff timeline and amount remain unclear. On Tuesday evening, the ‘Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026’ cleared a procedural hurdle.
The move happened after two Democratic lawmakers supported Republicans during the vote.
House Approves Bill Movement Ahead Of Final Vote
The proposal to advance the Russia sanctions bill received approval by 214-211 votes. However, the result surprised House Democratic leadership. The House may conduct the final voting on Wednesday. Senior House Foreign Affairs Committee member Gregory Meeks opposed the bill. He argued that the legislation could provide President Donald Trump unlimited authority to impose tariffs. Previously, the US Senate approved the bill with an 86-11 majority. The bill aims to target Russia’s leadership and energy sector. It also focuses on shadow fleets helping Moscow avoid oil restrictions.
Bill Targets Russia’s Energy Network
The Trump administration believes Russian crude oil trade supports funding for the Ukraine war. Therefore, the bill seeks to give President Trump authority to impose 100% tariffs on major Russian oil partners. India and China are among the countries discussed as major energy partners of Russia. However, the Senate version approved on August 7 does not name Russia’s trade partners directly.
Instead, it mentions the five largest oil and gas importers by volume.
Tariff Timeline Remains Unclear
At present, it remains uncertain whether the US will impose tariffs on India. The bill must pass the House before reaching President Trump for his signature. Meanwhile, Ukraine-support groups are increasing efforts to gather backing in Washington. The American Coalition for Ukraine is hosting the Ukraine Action Summit in the capital.
The House will enter an early recess from Thursday. It may meet again on November 9 after the midterm elections.
