The United States House of Representatives has approved a new sanctions package designed to increase economic pressure on Russia, opening the way for potentially tougher measures against countries that continue to purchase Russian energy.
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 was passed by the House on September 16 with 262 lawmakers voting in favour and 159 against. The legislation had already secured Senate approval and has now been sent to President Donald Trump for further action.
At the centre of the legislation is a provision that would give the US president the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports from countries that are major buyers of Russian oil and natural gas. The measure is therefore particularly significant for major Russian energy customers, including India and China.
The legislation does not itself automatically introduce a 100% tariff on Indian or Chinese imports. Instead, it creates a legal framework under which the US president could use tariff measures against countries purchasing Russian energy, subject to the conditions established by the legislation.
Beyond the tariff provision, the bill expands the sanctions framework covering Russia’s energy and defence sectors. It also targets financial institutions and vessels associated with Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, a network of tankers linked to efforts to continue transporting Russian energy despite international restrictions.
The legislation also contains provisions relating to Iran, extending certain existing sanctions measures as part of the broader package. The bill was originally developed as a major congressional effort to increase pressure on Russia over the continuing war in Ukraine.
For India, the development carries particular significance because Russian crude has become an important component of the country’s energy imports. Any decision by Washington to use the new tariff authority could therefore create additional pressure on India-US trade relations and influence the wider debate over India’s energy sourcing.
The potential consequences, however, will depend on how the executive authority is ultimately exercised. The passage of the legislation should not be treated as an immediate decision to impose a 100% tariff on India.
The House vote also reflects continuing divisions in Washington over how far presidential authority should extend under the new sanctions framework. While the measure received bipartisan support, some lawmakers raised concerns about giving the administration broad powers over tariffs and sanctions.
With Congress having completed its consideration of the legislation, attention now turns to the White House. The bill will need presidential action before it becomes law, making the next steps important for Russia, India, China and other countries with significant economic ties to Russian energy.
The development could have wider implications for global energy trade, sanctions policy and international commerce as the United States continues to use economic measures in response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
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