New Delhi: The US House of Representatives on Tuesday advanced a sanctions bill that could expose India and other major buyers of Russian energy to tariffs
of up to 100 per cent.
The Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 cleared a key procedural stage after two Democratic lawmakers joined Republicans in supporting the measure. The House approved the resolution to advance the bill and several other pieces of legislation by a narrow 214-211 vote.
The result surprised the Democratic leadership in the House. Lawmakers could take up the bill for a final vote on Wednesday.
Democrat opposes bill
Democratic Congressman Gregory Meeks opposed the proposed law on Monday. Meeks, the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, argued that the legislation would give President Donald Trump unchecked power to impose tariffs without sufficient guardrails.
Supporters of the bill have pushed for tougher economic action against countries that continue to purchase Russian oil and gas. Washington believes revenue from Russia’s crude oil exports helps Moscow finance its war against Ukraine.
India faces tariff risk
The legislation would authorise Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on Russia’s leading energy trading partners. India and China are among the countries that could face such duties due to their large purchases of Russian oil.
The version approved by the US Senate on August 7 does not directly identify India, China or other trading partners. It instead refers to the five largest importers of Russian oil and gas by volume.
The Senate passed the bill last month by a wide 86-11 margin.
Apart from targeting Russia’s political leadership and energy industry, the legislation seeks sanctions against the “shadow fleet” of vessels that help Moscow bypass restrictions on its oil shipments.
Ukraine groups lobby
The House vote came as pro-Ukraine groups intensified their lobbying campaign in Washington. The American Coalition for Ukraine organised the Ukraine Action Summit to urge US lawmakers to maintain Washington’s support for Kyiv.
The measure also seeks to extend existing sanctions against Iran.
The House must approve the legislation before it can reach Trump for his signature. The chamber is due to begin an early recess on Thursday. Lawmakers are expected to return on November 9 after the midterm elections, giving them a narrow window to complete the vote.
