US Russia Sanctions Bill: India Faces Possible 100% Tariffs
New US House amendments could expose India to 100 per cent tariffs over Russian oil purchases as lawmakers debate sanctions and presidential tariff powers.
US lawmakers have introduced fresh amendments to a Russia sanctions bill that could expose India and other major buyers of Russian oil to tariffs of up to 100 per cent. The proposals have intensified debate in Washington over the scope of presidential tariff powers and how far secondary sanctions should extend.
The Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, which cleared the US Senate with an 86-11 vote on August 7, is now before the House of Representatives. The legislation targets Russia’s leadership, energy sector and the so-called shadow fleet used to transport oil and evade sanctions. It also seeks to give President Donald Trump authority to impose 100 per cent tariffs on major Russian oil trading partners.
A proposed amendment by Congressman Steny Hoyer specifically names India, China, Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Slovakia, the UAE, Singapore, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan as countries that could face such duties.
Another amendment, introduced by Congressman Gregory Meeks, seeks to remove the provision granting the president broad authority to impose secondary tariffs. Meeks has also proposed allowing temporary sanctions waivers when considered vital to US national security.
A separate proposal would authorise USD 15 billion in direct loans to Ukraine for defence-related purchases.
The House has limited time to consider the legislation before its early recess ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. The amendments could significantly influence the final shape of the bill and its potential impact on India-US trade relations.
