Trump Could Impose 100% Tariffs on India as US House Moves Ahead With Russia Sanctions Bill

The US House of Representatives has advanced legislation that could allow President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that continue buying Russian oil and gas, with India explicitly named in a proposed House amendment.

The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 cleared a key procedural vote on Tuesday, September 15, by 214-211. The move sets the stage for a final House vote on Wednesday. The US Senate had already approved the legislation last month by an 86-11 vote.

INDIA NAMED IN PROPOSED HOUSE AMENDMENT

A House amendment introduced by Democratic Representative Steny Hoyer would specifically name India among the countries that could face tariffs of up to 100% under the bill’s secondary tariff provisions.

The proposed list also includes China, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Slovakia, the UAE, Singapore, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

However, the amendment does not automatically impose a 100% tariff on Indian imports. Instead, it would make India eligible for such duties if the legislation becomes law and Trump decides to exercise the authority provided under it.

India has emerged as one of the major buyers of Russian crude since the Russia-Ukraine war disrupted energy markets. Russian oil has remained an important source of supply for Indian refiners, particularly after Moscow began offering crude at discounted prices.

BILL TARGETS RUSSIA’S ENERGY REVENUE

The legislation seeks to increase economic pressure on Russia by targeting its leadership, energy industry and vessels allegedly involved in sanctions evasion.

A key provision would give the US president broad authority to impose tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas. The measure is aimed at putting additional economic pressure on Moscow by making continued purchases of Russian energy more costly for trading partners.

The Senate-passed version did not specifically identify individual countries. Instead, it referred to the largest importers of Russian oil and gas.

The House amendment would change that approach by explicitly identifying countries, including India, that could become subject to the secondary tariff provisions.

ANOTHER AMENDMENT SEEKS TO REMOVE TARIFF POWER

Not all lawmakers support the expanded tariff authority.

Democratic Representative Gregory Meeks and other lawmakers have backed an amendment seeking to remove the provision that would give the president broad powers to impose secondary tariffs on countries buying Russian energy.

The outcome of the House process will determine which provisions remain in the legislation.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR INDIA?

India being named in the proposed amendment does not mean a 100% tariff has been imposed.

For such a tariff to affect Indian exports, several steps would have to occur: the House would need to approve the legislation, the final bill would have to become law, and the president would then have to decide whether to use the tariff authority against India.

The final provisions could also change as the legislation moves through the remaining congressional process.

For now, the proposed measure signals a potential new source of pressure on India’s continued purchases of Russian energy, but the actual tariff exposure will depend on the final law and any action taken by the Trump administration.